iLearn: Kindergarten Readiness It Takes a Village

iLEARN by Kristy Lewis, Director of Paducah Head Start Preschool, KHSA President Kindergarten Readiness It Takes a Village

Sending a child off to school for the first time is one of the memorable milestone moments in a parent life. Not only is it hard to let go of your babies, but parents naturally worry because they want their child to do well. This school year has an added wrinkle – COVID-19. Not only do you have to ask yourself if your child is ready to begin their public education experience, but should they do this in person, or online, or a mixture of both.

Let's Get Ready! To register for Kindergarten a child must be 5 years old on or before August 1, 2020.

Every child develops differently and early childhood development is based on a continuum of learning and celebrating the success of each child along the way. However, there are certain standards you can reference while supporting your child in being prepared for Kindergarten.

The Kentucky Department of Education provides the guidance of five domains of development and learning to support your child in Kindergarten Readiness. According to the Kentucky Department of Education, School Readiness in Kentucky is defined like this: “Each child enters school ready to engage in, and benefit from, early learning experiences that best promote the child’s success and ability to be Ready to Grow, Ready to Learn & Ready to Succeed.”

Health and physical wellbeing includes motor development and skills, exercise and nutrition.

General knowledge and math assesses how much your child knows about the world around them, numbers and counting.

Approaches to learning looks at curiosity, experimentation, asking questions, and listening.

Social and emotional development determines if a child can participate and engage ibn learning.

Language and communication development addresses speech, listening, and comprehension.

Is your child physically prepared? Talk to your child’s doctor to ensure your child is up to date on immunizations and health requirements. Also, discuss with your doctor concerns you have about starting Kindergarten and developmental milestones you question or need guidance around. If your child has attended an early childhood setting include them in the discussion of Kindergarten Readiness.

Can your child can follow direct instructions? The ability to listen, understand, and follow rules are skills that will follow a person throughout their entire life. These traits are especially needed early in your child’s life. Kindergarten will be a new experience, and your child should begin to build these skills.

Is your child is self-sufficient? Little things like ensuring your child can go to the restroom, dress him/herself, and handle emotions, and shows interest in learning can go a long way in ensuring your child will do well once they are in kindergarten.

COVID & Kindergarten Readiness This Spring was different for many young children. Instead of attending early childhood programs that were focused on transition and Kindergarten Readiness, many children have been home with family members. They haven’t been in an early childhood setting, and/or childcare. Families are working hard to make ends meet, ensuring the health and safety of their families, and struggling to support any extra learning prior to starting Kindergarten. Guess what! That’s OKAY!

The most important lesson we have all learned during this pandemic is to give grace to one another. Supporting each other’s social and emotional wellness is a key factor to success this fall. You can start preparing your child today by working on one skills mentioned in the five domains (above). Just practice/learn one each week until school starts for your child.

Find other families who will be starting Kindergarten and begin talking with them how they are preparing. Connect with other families through Parent Café options via Zoom. Follow Provider Enrichment Services on Facebook for upcoming Parent Café’s. The bottom line is that our schools have fantastic teachers and staff ready to welcome, greet, love, care, support, educate, and begin your child’s journey in Kindergarten.

Remember, you ARE your child’s first and most valuable teacher. Our schools look forward to partnering with each and every family. At Paducah Public Schools we take our mission very seriously - Know each and every child by name and need" * Read online! issuu.com/purchasefamilymag