How Do Schools Find Out About Children’s Readiness?

Parents are important. You know your child better than anyone else. You know important things about them; such as the kinds of experiences they have had starting school, what their health is like, and what your family is like. Every child begins school with and indivdual mix of things they know and experiences they have had. All children learn in different ways. Sharing information about your child can help teachers and others at school know how best to teach them.

What Should We Do To Prepare For School?

Here are some tips that will help your family have a good kindergarten experience:

Before school starts:

Find out what school the children from your neighborhood attend.

Visit the school.

• Find out what choices you may have for where your child can attend school.

• Find out what the registration process is and how it works.

• Several months before school starts, find out what papers you will need and get them together (for example, your child’s shot record).

• Go to any orientation meeting your school has for new parents.

• Take your child to visit the school, and meet their new teacher before the first day of school.

• Find out about transportation, and make sure your child knows how he will get to and from school.

• Your school may screen your child to help them know them better. It is important to remember that a screening is not a test. Screenings help find any problems you child may have so that they can get help with them right away.

When school starts:

• If your child is in child care or Head Start, see if the teacher who knows your child best can talk to the kindergarten teacher to tell them what your child likes and what they are learning before they go to school.

• Talk with your child’s kindergarten teacher about what they expect they will be doing in school and what to expect.

• If you need somewhere for your child to go after school is over, check to see if the school has an after school program.

During the school year:

• Keep in touch with your child’s teacher after school starts – write notes, call or visits regularly so you can talk with the teacher and let them know you want to be involved in the learning process.

• Keep a journal or folder of your child’s work.

School readiness is a complex process. By following the suggestions in this series you can help your child get a good start in school, and build a foundation for learning that will last throughout their school years.