Rounding Up For Kindergarten

 It’s that time of year when parents wonder if their Pre K child is truly prepared to start Kindergarten in just a few months.  The elementary schools in our area are starting Kindergarten Roundups and parents may feel anxious and concerned about this process.  Let’s face it; Kindergarten is not what it used to be.  Today’s children are expected to know many things before they start elementary school.  Most elementary schools will ask potential families to bring their child in for some sort of Kindergarten testing and interview.  This will help the new school determine how prepared the incoming students are socially, emotionally and academically.  There are many things to consider before the elementary years begin and it all starts with a good preschool experience.
Children need to start their learning foundation with a good social and emotional environment.  A preschool that has a small class size is beneficial to a child’s success.  Being around other children will give a child an opportunity to socialize and make meaningful interactions with their peers.  It is important for children to make lasting friendships and build relationships with people they can trust.  Children need to learn to communicate their needs, manage their feelings, control their emotions and problem solve with others.  Learning is a social process and a child cannot be ready to learn if they are not able to follow directions and get along with others.
Scholastically, children need a good preschool environment that offers the right balance of academics in order to be prepared for Kindergarten.  Children obtain skills when they have fun learning through a hands-on approach.  Learning should be fun and not something dreaded at such an early age.  Being exposed to a variety of music, meaningful stories, memorable finger plays and open ended art all help children learn.  When learning phonics, math, science, art and music through play a child will feel successful, independent and secure.  This boost of confidence will open the doors to Kindergarten readiness.
If your child has been exposed to a preschool setting before starting Kindergarten, chances are your child is ready to start building their confidence.  If your child is rounding up for Kindergarten just remind yourself that the key ingredients linked to success is being prepared socially, emotionally, and academically.
Creative Years Infant Center and Preschool has been serving families in SCV for over 35 years.  Call to schedule a tour at 661-254-0718 or visit our web site for a virtual tour and more information www.creativeyears.com.  You can also find us on Facebook www.facebook.com/creativeyears.