Points to Remember

Remember, most children will be "ready" for kindergarten at the same time as their same-age peers, whatever cut-off date is used by your school district. Young children mature at different rates and will learn some skills faster than other skills. Generally, kindergarten accommodates this wide range of individual differences. If your child seems unusually immature or unusually advanced, seek comprehensive pre-kindergarten screening to help you determine your child's readiness for school and the best plan for school entry. And even if your child seems "typical" in school readiness, it is always a good idea to have him or her participate in screening programs to help identify any skills requiring extra attention. Sometimes it is just a matter of practicing some readiness activities at home prior to that first day of kindergarten!

Once your child starts school, there will be many opportunities for parents to learn how to help at home, how to help children practice new skills. Schools and communities have lots of resources to help make the first year of school a successful experience for every child!

back - next

Parenting Start