How Your Local Preschool Can Help Prepare Your Child For School Success

School success can be measured in many different ways, and it’s important to view it from a broad lens. The way your child develops socially, academically, and physically at their local preschool can set them up for success in their later school-going years. So, how do we define school readiness and success? We’re here to break down what success looks like at different ages and for different children.

How Local Preschools Support School Success

Preschool is the first introduction most children have to a more structured academic routine. It’s in this routine that they build habits, grow socially and emotionally, and of course, grow academically. For most children, this preparation starts with preschool.

Preschool acts like a buffer between daycare, which is fully play-focused, and kindergarten, which has a stronger focus on learning objectives and academics. Daycare is beneficial in developing key motor skills, but the bridge between daycare and early learning in a classroom environment must be crossed. Preschools introduce a curriculum without taking away play entirely, understanding that children at this age primarily learn through play.

In preparing for kindergarten, preschools also play a large role in tracking milestones and teaching early skills. Early reading, writing, and math form a foundation for kindergarten learning. However, there are other elements of kindergarten that aren’t purely academic. Social, emotional, and physical milestones are recommended for children starting kindergarten. If your child is underprepared, either in academics or in other areas, they may find adjusting to kindergarten overwhelming.

FAQ: Is My Child Ready For Kindergarten?

Kindergarten is a big milestone, and a big step up from preschool. Knowing if your child is ready is an important decision. Some children may be ready for kindergarten early, while others may benefit from a VPK program to give them some more time. The most important consideration is to make the decision that’s best for your child— that extra time in a VPK program could mean that they fly through kindergarten when they are ready to start, and starting kindergarten too soon may be daunting for some students.

We’ve gathered some frequently asked questions about school readiness and how your local preschool can support your child’s academic journey.

What cognitive and emotional milestones should my child reach before kindergarten?

Milestones are a great way to track kindergarten readiness. So what should your preschooler be able to do? In terms of emotional milestones, children should be able to share toys, participate in turn-taking during games, express their emotions clearly, and show signs of independence. Cognitive milestones include counting to 10, recognizing some letters and numbers, and understanding basic concepts in the world around them. Additionally, they should be able to work independently on a task for 5-10 minutes and have basic problem-solving skills. Language skills can range greatly at this age, but kindergartners should be able to have simple conversations, understand instructions, and be able to communicate what’s on their mind.

How many hours per week of preschool activity are ideal for school readiness?

How many hours your child is in preschool is another personal decision. This depends on your child’s needs, your working hours as parents, and what your local preschool offers. We generally recommend around 15 hours per week for kindergarten readiness, but some children may need more and some less. The benefits of attending regularly include reinforcing a routine, which greatly helps your child in adjusting to kindergarten’s schedule.

Do local preschools offer screening assessments to track progress?

Yes! Your local preschool is your partner. They want what’s best for your child and their educational journey. While they will let you know about any pressing concerns, standard screening assessments are completed and relayed to parents to keep everyone in the loop. This helps both you as a parent and the preschool teachers to work positively towards your child’s milestones and academic success.

How do behavioral skills like sharing and following routines factor into readiness?

Your child’s behavioral skills largely dictate the kind of day they’re going to have. If your child doesn’t know how to share, they will likely experience emotion-heavy days in kindergarten during playtime. And for children this young, one emotional experience can be enough for their day and focus to spiral.

Luckily, preschools foster positive behavioral skills and introduce classroom routines. Your local preschool will have set play times, learning times, craft times, and meal times. What is most difficult for children is often the transition time between activities, like cleaning up before lunch or switching toys and tasks. A child with preschool experience is going to feel more prepared to follow routines and work with others in kindergarten.

What role can parents play at home to reinforce preschool learning?

Parent involvement in development is essential in preparing your child for kindergarten. The most important role that you can play as a parent is as a teacher. Not only should you help expand your child’s world and curiosity, but you should also encourage them to explore and create, and ask questions. Activities like nature walks and arts and crafts look like they just pass the time, but in reality you’re helping your child develop fine and gross motor skills, encouraging creativity, and helping them explore the world and stay curious. Even simple arts and crafts activities are monumental in developing early writing skills, making the transition to kindergarten that much easier. Like with following routines, having dedicated clean-up times after activities helps your child prepare for a classroom environment where they are required to clean up after themselves.

Another easy way to reinforce preschool learning is to talk to your children about their day at their local preschool. Ask what they did that day, what they learned, what their favorite part of the day was– anything to get them talking about their classes. This helps with retention, opens a path for conversation, and helps you assess how ready they are for a more demanding day at school.

Working With Your Local Preschool For School Readiness

Your local preschool works with your child every day. If you’re not sure about your child’s kindergarten readiness, it’s essential that you speak with them. They can advise you on options like Florida VPK, things to work on at home, or just give you the all clear for kindergarten. You know your child, and the experts know education. Together, you can create an environment that’s beneficial to your child’s development and kindergarten readiness.

Here at Parkland Children’s Academy, we work closely with Heron Heights Elementary, Riverglades Elementary, and Park Trails Elementary. We know that education doesn’t end with us, and we want to see your children succeed in elementary and beyond.