Is your preschooler ready for Kindergarten?
This time of year we like to contact the families of the students who have a birthday on the cusp of being able to go to Kindergarten.
Alberta Education requires all Kindergarten students to turn five years old on or before December 31st of the school year they attend Kindergarten, but they can't be 6 years old on their first day of Kindergarten.
Readiness for learning is more than just academic abilities. Some of the skills we work on to ensure our students are ready for Kindergarten are:
Have basic health and hygiene skills in place? (ie: Independently using the bathroom, washing hands, using a tissue, covering a sneeze or a cough, etc.)
Separate from a parent or caregiver without getting overly upset (Self-soothing if they are upset)
Play well with other children, take turns, care about the feelings of others, share, cooperate.
Able to sit for the length of a story.
Follow 2-3 step directions (ie: first wash your hands, then get your backpack)
Express feelings in a safe way.
Express thoughts or needs using words.
Trying things on their own first.
Asking for help when needed.
Please remember that these are just guidelines that we use and that you know your child best. In our experience we rarely hear regrets about waiting to start Kindergarten, but we do often hear back from parents that they regret sending their child to Kindergarten early.
We encourage our preschool parents to come to us if they have any questions or concerns about whether their child is ready for Kindergarten. Please don't hesitate to ask your child's teacher, caregiver or doctor if you have questions.
One-on-one tours are available to meet the teachers and see our location. Visit our website for more information, and to register early to secure your spot!
For more information about our program and info about how we keep costs low as a parent-run, not-for-profit playschool participating in the Affordability Grant program, visit our website at www.chestermereplayschool.com
