Kindergarten is the next big step for you and your child. Some of ways you can prepare for this exciting new journey includes setting routines, visiting the local school, and attending your preschool's "Transition to Kindergarten" workshop. Having a successful entry into kindergarten will help your child have a positive attitude about school and learning.

To get your child ready for kindergarten, you could:

• Read books about starting kindergarten.
• Talk enthusiastically with your child about starting kindergarten.
• Ask your child how they feel about starting kindergarten. Reassure any feelings of anxiety or fear.
• Plan for your child to visit his or her new school.
• Tell your child about the kinds of work he or she will be doing in kindergarten; letter recognition, recognize common sight words, identify coins and their value, measurement
• Talk about and practice new routines; drop off, pick up, lunch time etc.
• Spend extra time on the first day of school, but do not "drag out" saying goodbye.
• Have your child practice writing their name and address.
• Attend any school-sponsored orientations to get up-to-date information on your child's kindergarten program.
• Tell your child how much you love them!

Recommended Transition Books

• Mrs. Bindergarten Gets Ready for Kindergarten, Joseph Slate, Ashley Wolff.
• The Night Before Kindergarten, Natasha Wing, Julie Durrell.
• Look Out Kindergarten, Here I Come! Nancy Carlson.
• What Do We Say? What Do We Do? Vital Solutions for Children's Educational Success and Creating Positive Home School Connections,Dorothy Rich.

A Kindergarten Checklist

The kindergarten my child will attend is:  ___________________________________

School contact number: _______________________________________________

My child's registration date for Kindergarten is: _______________________________

Please ensure you have copies of the  following important documents:

• Up-to-date immunizations
• Physical exam
• Dental exam
• Birth certificate (original or certified copy)
• Proof of residency (i.e. utility bill, mortgage or lease agreement)