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Extra Credit
Parents,
Are You Ready for Kindergarten? A Guide for Families
By: Wendy Grove
1/31/2019
Is there a child in your life who is 5 years old (or turning so soon)
who is amazing you with all he or she knows? Mamas, daddies,
grandparents and loved ones, that baby of yours is growing up! After
surviving midnight feedings, watching them learn to walk and talk and
answering their endless questions, it is time to start thinking about
kindergarten. February is the time of year most schools start
requesting kindergarten registration paperwork.
Sending your child to kindergarten is a big change for many families,
but the Department has updated its kindergarten resources to make this
transition easier. Today, I am going outline a few of the basics you
may need to know regarding kindergarten and preparing your child — and
yourself — for school.
Where should my child go to school?
There are many schools and program types to consider when choosing the
right option for your child. Know that you have choices! There are many
options the Department wants you to be aware of so you make an informed
decision about what is best for you and your child. Public schools,
community schools, private schools, part-time, full-time, free,
tuition-based, scholarships, open enrollment — what does it all mean?
Whew, I’m out of breath. That is a lot! But don’t worry, to learn more
about Ohio’s education options, browse the topics listed below:
Do you know which school your child would attend based on where you
live? There is an online tool to help you find your neighborhood school.
Do you know all the options available to you when choosing a
kindergarten setting? Learn about education options here. If you want
to talk to someone about those options, staff contact information is
available on that website.
What about the neighboring school district where your friend’s child
attends? Would that be possible? Open enrollment is when a school
accepts children who live outside of the residential boundaries. Find
out here which schools offer open enrollment.
When should my child start kindergarten?
Ohio state law says children are old enough to start kindergarten if
they are 5 years old by the school district’s age cut-off date. That
date is either Aug. 1 or Sept. 30. Each school district has chosen one
of these dates. After you identify which district or school your child
will attend, you can find out that school’s kindergarten age cut-off
date by visiting its website or calling its office.
What does it mean to be “ready” for kindergarten?
Part of the when question may be whether your child is ready for
kindergarten. Sometimes, people ask me if children should know how to
read before starting school. The answer to that is “no.” But here is a
list of knowledge and behaviors that might help you decide how ready
your child is. The list also is a guide for how to help your child get
ready for school. You should know that age is the only reason a public
kindergarten program can accept or deny your child’s registration for
kindergarten. There is no state law that says a child must be able to
do certain things in order to attend public school. If your child is
gifted or has special education needs, or if you don’t yet know and
need to know more, the link above has information about that too.
Why does kindergarten and early learning matter?
Research tells us that 90 percent of the brain is developed between
birth and 5 years old. This means the time for learning is now!
Children learn more during this time of life than in any other. Just
think of all the life skills they have learned up to now: walking,
talking, eating, dressing, brushing teeth, sharing, showing love and
looking both ways before crossing the street. In kindergarten, your
kiddo will learn how to do school, which is where he or she will spend
a lot of time over the next 13 years. In addition to the foundational
academic skills, like writing and numbers, children also learn (or
continue learning) how to be away from family, make friends, establish
relationships with other trusted adults, follow rules outside of home,
and work through schedules, routines and steps to solve problems.
This is such a great time. I am so excited for you and your child! I
hope you are as excited as your little one may be to “be a big kid” and
start school. If you do have a kiddo at home that seems more scared or
worried about beginning kindergarten, I hope the resources and this
blog will help you support your child in feeling more confident about
kindergarten.
If you have other questions about starting school, try the Department’s
Frequently Asked Questions. The Department also has a great team of
education specialists who can answer your questions — just contact them
through the contact information at the link above.
Finally, one piece of advice from my own experience as a mama…this is
harder on you than your child. Be strong and help your child feel
confident. Your child takes cues from you. Always remember you are your
child’s first teacher and biggest advocate. Your support can lead to
your child’s success in kindergarten and beyond! So, let’s get ready!
You have the next seven months to continue the steps to school! Then,
you will walk your growing child into the school, post a first-ever,
first day of school picture and exhale.
Dr. Wendy Grove is the director of the Office for Early Learning and
School Readiness at the Ohio Department of Education, where she helps
develop and implement policies for preschool special education and
early childhood education.
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