Tips for an Easy Transition to Kindergarten
Note: Contact your child's school district or check their website for district-specific enrollment information, important dates, and other important information. Kindergarten registration often begins in late winter or early spring.
Get Ready for Kindergarten!
Tips for Caregivers to Help Your Child Start School Successfully
ENROLLMENT & PAPERWORK
Make sure all enrollment, medical, custody, residency, and all other required paperwork have been turned in before school starts
Attend Kindercamp, Safety Town, Open House, School Supply Giveaways, and other transition-to-kindergarten events offered by your school
Follow your school’s social media and check their website for updates & events throughout the year
Hang up a copy of the district calendar to be prepared for scheduled days off
Attend your school’s PTO meetings, family events, and conferences
Check your child’s “Take Home” folder daily
Have a childcare plan in case of unplanned school closings or illness
DAILY ROUTINES
Set a regular bedtime and morning routine.
Practice these routines several weeks before school starts
Practice getting dressed, brushing teeth, and eating breakfast
Talk about calming down when they feel nervous and strategies to use when feeling anxious, sad, happy, and angry
EMOTIONAL READINESS
Talk about what school will be like and what it means to listen and follow directions when sitting at a desk, carpet, or when in the hallways
Practice short goodbyes and being away from your child
Remind your child you’ll be back at the end of the day
INDEPENDENCE SKILLS
Carry a backpack on their own and put on their coat, clothes, & shoes
Open items and know what is trash and what to bring home
Use the bathroom and wash hands without help
Zip and button jackets and clothes
Ask for help using kind words
SOCIAL SKILLS
Say “Hi, my name is...” and know their full name
Take turns and share
Follow 2– or 3–step directions–“Hang your bag, get a book, & sit on the rug.”
Talk about feelings and how to handle them
Talk about what it means to be a good friend
EARLY LEARNING SKILLS
Read together every day
Recognize their name in writing
Color, draw, sing songs, and play with rhymes
Count, sort, and play with puzzles
GETTING TO SCHOOL
Talk about how they’ll get home: Bus | Car | Walk
Remind them who will be there at the end of the day
Help them feel safe and confident about the routine
Practice entering the school and the route to their classroom
Ensure your child knows there will be grown-ups there to ask for help when needed and to help them find their way around
FIRST DAY CHECKLIST
Backpack with name
Lunch/snack they can open
Change of clothes (optional)
A comforting hug and a confident goodbye
You’ve got this—and so does your child!
Kindergarten is the beginning of a wonderful journey.
