Tuesday, April 14, 2015

Kindergarten Round Up

Kindergarten Round Up is quickly approaching which means that our little pre-schoolers are almost ready for school!  Although going to pre-school is a lot like "real" school, adjusting to going to kindergarten can have it's own challenges.  The first big decision you have to make is WHEN to send your child.  The old rule was you had to turn 5 by October 15th.  The current state law is students have to turn 5 by July 31 in order begin kindergarten.  Of course parents always have the choice to hold their child back until they are 6 years old to begin kindergarten.  The complication is with pre-school.  A student cannot continue to be enrolled in a public school pre-school if the child has turned 5 on or before July 31.  In order to continue with pre-school services, they would have to find a daycare outside of the public school.  However, if your child has been identified with special needs and is placed on an IEP (Individual Education Plan), the child's IEP team will decide what is best for the child which may result in another year of public school pre-school even if the child is 5 years old after July 31.

The Nebraska Department of Education produced a document called, Ready for Success:  What Families Want to Know about Starting School in Nebraska.  Below are some other questions and answers to consider when deciding if your child is ready for school.  It is a big decision and you need to be comfortable with your choice.  If you are really struggling with what to do, contact the school and have a few conversations with the principal, pre-school and kindergarten teachers.  They will be able to give you a good idea about what is expected and how your child might respond to kindergarten.

What does school rediness mean?
Children are born ready and eager to learn.  The goal of school readiness efforts is to support ALL children entering kindergarten with skills, knowledge, health, and attitude to be successful life-long learners.  Ready children have families who support their children's learning, and schools that are prepared to meet the individual needs of ALL children the year they are age-eligible to attend kindergarten.

How do I know if my child is ready?
It's about more than what your child knows.  It also includes if your child is healthy rested, and well fed.  Is able to pay attention, follow directions and communicate their thoughts and needs without being disruptive.  Is he/she curious and enthusiastic about new activities.  Is he/she confident, cooperative and able to practice age-appropriate self control.  Consider all areas of your child's development, no just his/her academic skills.  

What will kindergarten be like?
It is normal for children to be at different levels of development with a wide range of abilities.  Nebraska teachers plan their curriculum based on state standards (which is what children should know by the END of the school year) in language arts, math, science, and social studies.  Many kindergarten teachers provide plenty of time for play and exploration because young children are active learners and learn best through play.

How can I help my child be ready?
Promote good healthy habits, encourage social and emotional well-being, support language and learning.

How can I prepare for the first day?

  • be enthusiastic and positive
  • make an appointment for kindergarten check up and immunizations
  • turn in all documents requested by the school such as:  original birth certificate, emergency contacts, before and after school care information, school calendar, school expectations and routines.
  • read books about kindergarten
  • participate in the school Open House
  • meet with your child's teacher
  • start a new bedtime and morning routin
  • arrive at school early for the first day!
How can i support my child's education?
  • be enthusiastic about school
  • help your child be at school, on time, every day
  • read with your child daily
  • ask about your child's day
  • talk to your child's teacher often and early.
Entering kindergarten with your first child or your last, can be a stressful time and full of a lot of worry.  It's usually harder on the parents than it is on the students.  Kindergarten aged students are usually very ready to attend.  If your child seems a little reserved at first, that is normal.  Give them time to take everything in and absorb their new environment.  By the end of the school year, you will be amazed at how much they have grown up!  As always, remember to contact the personnel in your child's school if you have any reservations or questions about kindergarten or choosing the appropriate time to attend.  Our job as educators is to keep students safe and to do what is best for them.




Source
2012.  Ready for Success:  What Families Want to Know about Starting School in Nebraska.  Nebraska Department of Education.  www.education.ne.gov/oec