Getting ready for kindergarten is one of the most exciting times for a family. But how do you know if your child is “kindergarten ready”? While many schools, and families, use a general age cutoff date as the determining factor, it’s important to consider the entire picture, from the child’s age, to physical, social, and developmental factors. In other words, there is no easy answer! To help you with this decision and to assist in you and your family set your child up for a successful transition to kindergarten, we recommend the following “readiness” guidelines:
Is your child showing interest in letters, writing their name, counting?
Does your child love to have books read to them?
If they are close to the age cut off - have they been to preschool?
If not, have they had other opportunities for social interaction? If your child has not attended preschool, they may benefit from a preschool program to practice social skills and independence before heading to kindergarten.
If you’re considering full-day kindergarten, is your child accustomed to napping? If so, you might consider half-day options.
Is your child interested in coloring? Can they hold a pencil/crayon/marker correctly?
Are they able to follow a routine in a day? Can they transition between activities when a plan is communicated to them?
Are they using the bathroom independently?
Can they put on their clothes independently?
Are they able to separate from parents?
Can they handle being redirected?
Are they willing to participate in an activity if it's not their first choice?
Are they able to able to use words to express their needs?
Is your child self-confident or withdrawn?
Does your child understand what it means to make good choices?
We suggest you talk to your child’s preschool teacher, or if they are not attending preschool, your child’s pediatrician may be a wonderful resource in making this decision.
If your child is needing more time to build social and emotional maturity skills, you might want to consider giving your child an additional year of preschool. Don’t think of it as “holding them back” -- know that you are giving them the gift of time to grow and develop through an extra year of experiences. Providing your child with a positive school experience and a solid foundation will allow them to thrive in kindergarten and beyond. Knowing whether they are ready is a key factor to this foundation of success.
Suggested Resources:
Colorado Department of Education
What Your Kindergartner Needs To Know by E.D. Hirsch (available on Amazon or through your local library or bookstores)
Flagstaff Academy is a tuition-free, public Prek-8th grade SVVSD charter school located in Longmont, Colorado. The school’s mission is to develop students who are equipped to be well-rounded, ethical leaders in the world community with a foundation based on science and technology. Now in its 13th year, Flagstaff Academy has built an exceptional educational environment which values developing the whole child through an award-winning Core Knowledge academic program. Our curriculum is rich with experiential arts, hands-on science exploration, character education, and innovative technology integration. Learn more at
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