Starting school — Getting ready together

The Martin-Pitt Partnership for Children offers many books and toys that help prepare you and your child for kindergarten. Membership is FREE for parents and caregivers of children birth to five, and includes activities, games, puzzles, and books for children, parents, and caregivers that focus on kindergarten readiness.

Kindergarten represents a huge milestone in your life and in the life of your child. The year before kindergarten can be a great chance for you and your child to get ready for this big life event. Many of the materials mentioned in the other sections of this guide help your child build and develop skills that will be utilized in kindergarten.

Plan a trip to the Martin-Pitt Partnership for Children’s Lending Library for you and your child to check out materials that will help you both feel more comfortable during this exciting milestone. Many counting, sorting, color matching, alphabet, and measuring toys are available, along with books, puppets, costumes, puzzles, and more.

Here are some tips to consider during the journey to kindergarten:

• Begin talking to your child early. Talk with your child about the change that will be coming and allow your child to ask questions and express fears.
• Keep it positive. It’s normal for families to feel some anxiety when their child goes off to kindergarten. Try to keep it positive when you talk about the change with your child so that they don’t feel anxious about it as well.
• Make connections with the adults in your child’s life. If your child currently attends preschool or receives special services, talk with your child’s teacher or therapist about creating a transition plan for your child.
• If your child has special needs, set up a meeting with the school principal to discuss how the school staff can best support your child’s individual needs.
• Take a tour of the school. Most schools are happy to have a child come for a short visit to get familiar with the school building and see a kindergarten classroom at the beginning of the school year. Call the school ahead of time to schedule an appointment.
• Research after-school care options and have care in place prior to your child starting school.
• Find out when kindergarten registration will be held in your county.
• Use the year ahead to teach your child some of the skills and routines that will be useful in kindergarten.

For more information on school readiness, check out our School Readiness Checklist!