Parents used to think, "IT'S JUST KINDERGARTEN!" - Well it is not 'just Kindergarten' by today's standards!

Kindergarten today is a full day academic based program. In many school districts, the required standards to enter Kindergarten and what is actually expected of the children once they enter are very different. The pre-literacy skills that are the fundamentals of reading with comprehension are not being taught like they once were when we were kids. 

There are many things that impact whether or not a 4-5 year old child is truly prepared to do well in kindergarten. A child's birthdate is always an important consideration. There can be a big difference in the developmental readiness between a child who turns 5 in August and a child who turned 5 the previous September. Although there is nearly a year of difference, both children would be at the age to enroll in kindergarten! There are also other factors to be considered. The amount of academic practice they have been receiving at home or at pre-school, the learning influences of siblings and friends, and the individual nature of the child, all impact whether or not they are ready to take the huge step of starting school.

 

WHAT IS A KINDERGARTEN READINESS PROGRAM?

This is an alternative for the 4 or 5 year old child who will not be attending a transitional kindergarten program. These enrichment classes are taken in conjunction with a traditional preschool program. Weekly classes focus on the pre-literacy skills, language proficiency, fine and gross motor control, proper handwriting skills, and pre-mathematical skills all rising Kindergarten students need. Classes are taught in a room that will resemble an actual Kindergarten classroom and will be fun and interactive using music, singing, art, and socialization to teach the curriculum. Correct handwriting skills, pre-emergent/ emergent literacy skills are important to learn correctly at a young age so bad habits are not formed.

The small teacher-to-student ratio ensures that each child receives attention for their particular needs.

Many parents are finding that these highly focused weekly sessions, make all the difference in their child’s abilities and confidence. A child might go to a weekly dance class, gymnastic class, or karate class; why not give them an advantage with a weekly kindergarten readiness class?

While many parents opt for a year of 'transitional kindergarten' through their pre-school, others aren't sure it is necessary to hold their child back a year from "real" kindergarten. A Kindergarten Readiness Program is designed specifically to address the literacy needs of pre-kindergarten children who just need some extra focus on the individual skill levels that need improvement in order to be truly 'kindergarten ready.'

After each class you will receive supplemental work that will be done during the week. You will receive clear instructions, a calendar of daily assignments, and all materials that your child can work on at home. This practice and repetition will be the key to your child's success.

How can you know for sure if your child is ready to start kindergarten?

There are several non-threatening kindergarten readiness tests and evaluations available that will determine your child’s individual skill levels, identify areas that need attention as well as emphasize their individual strengths. These assessments can also determine your child’s developmental age versus their chronological age. The results of these tests can give the parents clarification and insight as to whether or not their child is ready for kindergarten. Making the right choice is a key to the development of a child’s self-esteem and attitude toward learning. If you are facing this dilemma, the professional staff at Prepared Children will be glad to help.

To get started, contact us today for an appointment where we can introduce ourselves, meet you and your child and together determine how we can best help your child move forward. We will discuss what type of test or assessment might be appropriate, if any, and enroll your child in one of our kindergarten readiness programs. At Prepared Children, our goal to make sure that our students enjoy learning and are fully prepared to do well in the year of school that sets the foundation for their entire school career.

Contact us at 704-215-4950 or email Michelle Egan at michelle@preparedchildren.com for more information. We would love to hear from you!