Starting kindergarten is an exciting time for children and parents. Here are some tips to help with the transition and set your child on the path to school success. Find out if the school that your child will attend has a registration deadline. Learn as much as you can about the school your child will attend before the school year begins, including the school's policies and procedures. Don't rely only on information about kindergarten that you have received from other parents - their schools might have different requirements and expectations. You will want to find out the following:
- The principals name;
- The name of your child's teacher;
- What forms you need to fill out;
- What immunizations are required before your child enters school;
- A description of the kindergarten program;
- The yearly calendar and daily schedule for kindergarten children;
- Procedures for transportation to and from school;
- Available food services; and
- How you can become involved in your child's education and in the school
Some schools will send you this information. In addition, some schools will hold orientation for parents who expect to enroll their children in kindergarten. If you school doesn't plan such a meeting, call the principal's office to ask for information and to arrange a visit.
You will also want to:
Find out in advance what the school expects from new kindergarten students. If you know the school's expectations a year or two ahead of time, you will be in a better position to prepare your child.
Visit the school with your child. Walk up and down the hallways to help your child learn all the different rooms- classroom, the library, the gym, the cafeteria.
Talk with your child about school. During your visit, make positive comments about the school - your good attitude will rub off.
Consider volunteering to help out in the school. Your child's teacher may appreciate having an extra adult to help do everything from passing out paper and pencils to assisting with supervision of the children on the playground.
As your child leaves home for the first day of kindergarten, tell him or her how proud you are.