Ready for Kindergarten: A Guide for South Carolina Families

Tips from teachers

A guide to better bedtimes

What to do if you’re worried & so much more!

Your Guide to a Great Beginning

It’s time for kindergarten! This is a big step for both you and your child. It marks the start of a new chapter – full of discovery, learning and growth. A positive move to kindergarten can help build a strong foundation for success in school and life.

Is your child ready?

If your child will be 5 years old by September 1 of this year, they’re set for kindergarten. But “school readiness” is more than a matter of age. It’s a blend of skills, abilities, and attitudes that will help your child thrive in their new school setting. The good news? Readiness comes in many forms, and every child will be ready in their own unique way.

How can you help?

Preparing for kindergarten is a team effort. As a parent or caregiver, you play an important part. This guide can help.

It’s full of ideas, tips, and resources to help your child start school. If you have questions or concerns, remember, support is available. Find more resources in the back of this guide.

School readiness isn’t just about what children know. It’s about the love and support they get from their entire community—families, caregivers, healthcare providers, educators, and neighbors. We all play a part in helping children get ready for school.

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Your School Readiness Checklist

Sign up early

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Get your child signed up for kindergarten as soon as possible. Doing this early helps schools and teachers get ready for the new batch of students, making the start smoother for everyone.

Learn what it means to be ready

This guide is the perfect place to begin. It’s packed with tips and information to help you move into this big new phase confidently.

Get to know your school

Contact your child’s future school. Use opportunities like open houses and school tours to make the school feel like a friendly place for your child.

Celebrate!

Moving up to kindergarten is a big deal! Keep an eye out for free events in South Carolina for kids getting ready for kindergarten and their families. These events are a joyful way to start off on the right foot.

Visit countdownsc.org to find your local school district, discover celebrations near you, and more!

FOR SCHOOL

South Carolina’s Profile of the Ready Kindergartner READY

Developed by SC First Steps and the SC Department of Education, this detailed guide describes 60 developmental milestones for rising kindergarten students.

APPROACHES TO LEARNING & INQUIRY

• Demonstrates eagerness to learn

• Shows curiosity through questioning

Shows creativity and imagination through pretend play

• Engages in daily opportunities for play and exploration

• Shows willingness to try new things

• Persists in tasks that are challenging

Maintains attention

• Applies learning to new situations

• Solves problems with materials at hand

Use senses and observations to learn about the world around them

PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT, SELF-HELP & MOTOR SKILLS

• Moves with control and balance while walking, running, jumping and climbing

• Uses fingers to control small objects, such as pencils/crayons, scissors, buttons, zippers

Uses hand-eye coordination to perform simple tasks, like putting together a puzzle

• Independently performs self-help tasks such as toileting, hand washing, tooth brushing and dressing

DID YOU KNOW?

South Carolina has a clear vision of what it means for a child to be ready for school. In 2014, the SC General Assembly adopted an official definition of school readiness, focusing on the whole child. This includes the broad skills listed here, as well as support from family and community.

EMOTIONAL & SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

Shares, takes turns and plays well with others

• Follows simple rules and directions

Expresses emotions through appropriate actions and words

• Adjusts to changes in routine and environment

• Shows self-control

Shows caring and understanding of others’ feelings

• Interacts with familiar adults

Respects the property of others

• Resolves conflicts using words and adult support

• Makes f riends

MATHEMATICAL THINKING

Number Sense

• Counts in sequence up to 20

• Counts up to 10 objects, using one number for each object

• Recognizes up to five objects in a group without counting

Compares sets of objects by quantity (more than or less than)

• Describes and compares objects by size (big and small), length (long and short) and weight (light and heavy)

• Understands and uses the terms first, second and third

Matching, Sorting, Classifying

Recognizes and draws basic shapes, such as circle, square and triangle

• Recognizes and repeats simple repeating patterns, such as triangle, square, triangle, square

• Describes positions of objects using the terms above and below

• Sorts and classifies up to 10 objects into categories

LANGUAGE & LITERACY DEVELOPMENT

Listening, Speaking and Understanding

Converses with others, taking turns speaking and listening

• Speaks clearly, expressing ideas and questions

Uses words to seek help, answer questions and solve problems

• Speaks in complete sentences of at least six to eight words

Listens to stories and retells them

• Begins to ask questions about stories that are read aloud

Follows directions and completes tasks that require multiple steps

Asks and answers “how” and “why” questions

Early Reading

Shows interest in books and reading

• Holds books upright, turning pages one at a time from front to back

Knows that printed words have meaning

• Uses pictures in a book to tell and retell the story

• Recognizes and names/reads familiar signs and logos

• Listens to a story being read aloud

• Makes predictions about what will happen next in a story being read aloud

• Begins to follow text from left to right as it is read aloud

Recognizes and names rhyming words

• Recognizes that letters represent spoken sounds

• Recognizes some upper and lower case letters and their sounds

• Recognizes that spoken words can be represented in written language

Recognizes written name as well as other familiar words

• Begins to use pictures and text read aloud to learn the meaning of unfamiliar words

Early Writing

Draws pictures and tells their story

• Writes using a combination of letters, letter-like shapes and scribbles

Uses drawing and writing during play

• Writes name independently or using an example

How to Get Your Child Ready

Getting ready for school is about so much more than ABCs and 123s (although that’s important, too!). It’s about sparking curiosity, building confidence, and nurturing a love of learning. On these pages, discover easy, effective ways to prepare your child for a fantastic start in kindergarten, with insider tips from those who know best—real kindergarten teachers!

Brought to you by Countdown to Kindergarten, a program of South Carolina First Steps. Since 2004, Countdown to Kindergarten has helped families, schools, and communities get children ready for school.

Discover more tips and resources at countdownsc.org.

A Guide to Better Bedtimes

A peaceful night’s sleep is essential for a healthy mind and body. A predictable bedtime routine can make mornings a breeze, so that your child wakes up refreshed and ready to learn.

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine says kindergartners should get between 9 and 13 hours of sleep each night. Here are five tips to help them get the rest they need.

Say “goodnight” to screens early

Turn off all screens well before bedtime, aiming for at least 30 minutes before. This quiets your child’s mind, helping them fall asleep easier.

Create a calm space

Dim the lights and quiet your home as bedtime nears. Peaceful surroundings help your child relax and reminds them it’s time to rest.

Do the same thing every night

Children find comfort in routines. Bath, pajamas, teeth brushing, and story time—in the same order every night—can signal to your child that it’s time to settle down.

End on a high note

Add a favorite ritual, like hugs or a favorite book, to your routine. These special moments make bedtime something to look forward to.

Start simple

If creating a whole new routine feels hard, begin with one small thing. Introduce changes one step at a time, so that you and your child can adjust. Soon, you’ll find a rhythm that fits your family just right.

You are your child’s first and most important teacher

Kindergarten teachers value your role as your child’s parent. They’re excited to join your team in helping your child grow and thrive.

When families and teachers work together, children benefit

Children flourish when families and teachers work together. Feel free to ask for ideas on fun learning activities to do at home.

Communication is key

Stay in touch with your child’s teacher throughout the year. Make sure they know the best way to communicate with you.

Share your story

Knowing what’s special about your family, including any challenges, helps teachers support your child better.

Your child will become more independent

Kindergarten offers many chances for your child to be independent. Encourage them to try new things and remind them that it’s okay to make mistakes.

Your encouragement matters

Your support is powerful. Simple phrases like “I know you can do it” and “You did it!” can go a long way. Let your child know you believe in them.

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Things Kindergarten Teachers Want You to Know

Kindergarten is an important year for your child, and teachers have helpful insights to help make it a positive experience.

Simple Tips for Reading Together

Add these simple strategies to your reading routine will help boost your child’s vocabulary and thinking skills—and pave the way for a love of reading that lasts a lifetime.

Make it interactive

Allow your child to hold the book and turn the pages. Point to the words as you read them. This helps your child learn how we read: from left to right, top to bottom.

Talk about the story

After reading, ask your child to retell the plot or make up their own stories based on the pictures. This helps with reading comprehension and encourages creative thinking.

Keep books within reach

Make sure books are always available to your child. You can keep them by their bed or carry them in a bag when you’re out and about.

RECOMMENDED READS

How Do Dinosaurs Go to School

by Jane Yolen, illustrated by Mark Teague

A fun, rhyming tale that explores school rules in a lighthearted way.

The King of Kindergarten

by Derrick Barnes, illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton

Follow a confident young boy as he embarks on his first day of kindergarten.

The Kissing Hand

by Audrey Penn, illustrated by Ruth Harper

A reassuring tale about separation anxiety and the love between caregivers and children.

Miss Bindergarten Gets Ready for Kindergarten

by Joseph Slate, illustrated by Ashley Wolff

See how a kindergarten teacher prepares for the arrival of her students.

Pete the Cat: Rocking in My School Shoes

by Eric Litwin, illustrated by James Dean

Join Pete the Cat as his explores his school in style.

Reading together is a great way to talk about new feelings, ask questions, and get ready for big changes like starting school. Here are some books that are both fun and meaningful. You can find them at your local library.

Learning at Home

Children begin learning the moment they are born. Your role as their first and most important teacher doesn’t end when they start school—it evolves. Learning at home doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are some easy and powerful ways to make learning part of everyday life.

Talk and sing

Before children learn to read and write, they learn to communicate by speaking and listening. Foster your child’s language skills through singing, storytelling, and conversation. Ask open-ended questions that make your child think and share their ideas.

Read books together

Sharing books with your child is one of the best ways to boost their language and thinking skills. It’s also a way to connect and bond, which is especially important when big changes, like starting school, are happening!

Explore and compare shapes, patterns, and numbers

Math is all around us. Help your child develop “number sense” by counting and comparing things throughout your day. Use terms like “how many,” “more than,” and “less than” to make numbers a part of their daily lives. Describe patterns. Identify and compare shapes.

Practice self-help skills

In kindergarten, kids will need to manage tasks like using the bathroom, dressing, and handling zippers on their own. Regular practice at home not only prepares them for the classroom; it also boosts their fine motor skills, which are important for writing development.

Start small with chores

Give your child small, age-appropriate chores. This not only helps them feel capable but also teaches important life skills.

Make time for play

Never underestimate the power of play. It’s crucial for developing motor skills, making social connections, building problem-solving skills, and turning learning into an adventure.

Finding Calm: Tips for Kids (and Grown-Ups Too!)

Kids feel all sorts of things, just like adults. But they haven’t always developed the skills they need to manage those big feelings. Here are some easy ways you and your child can learn to stay in control when emotions are strong. These tips are good for everyone, no matter how old you are!

Talk about their feelings

Ask your child how they feel and give them words to describe it. Saying what’s bothering them out loud can make things seem a bit less scary.

Take slow sips of water

Drinking water bit by bit and thinking about how it feels can make your child pause and relax for a moment.

Practice belly breathing

Show your child how to take long, deep breaths, making their belly go in and out. This can help slow everything down when feelings are too much.

Pause and notice

Ask your child to name three things: one thing they can see, one they can hear, and one they can feel. This can help them reconnect during stressful moments.

Reach for a furry friend

A cuddle with a beloved pet or stuffed animal can work wonders.

Bend and stretch

Gentle movements, like reaching up high or bending down, can help relax the mind and body.

Why Play Matters

“Play is serious learning.”

- Fred Rogers

For children, play is more than fun. It is the ideal way to learn.

Directions

Combine flour, salt, and cream of tartar in a saucepan.

Stir in water, oil, and food coloring (if using).

Heat over medium, stirring until the mixture thickens and pulls away from the sides of the pan (about 3 minutes).

Once cool enough to handle, knead until smooth.

Time to play!

To keep it soft, store the play dough in an airtight container. It will last up to 3 months.

Play dough isn’t just for fun; it’s a fantastic tool for developing the hand strength and dexterity that kids need for writing. Here’s how to whip up your own in just a few minutes:

Ingredients

• 1 cup flour

• ½ cup salt

• 2 teaspoons cream of tartar

• 1 cup water

• 1 teaspoon vegetable oil

• Food coloring (optional)

• Airtight container or bag for storage

Resources Countdown to Kindergarten

South Carolina First Steps

Countdown to Kindergarten promotes a positive transition to school with summer programs and activities. Find more tips, resources, a school directory, and a calendar of upcoming events.

countdownsc.org

Day by Day SC

South Carolina State Library

The South Carolina Day by Day Family Literacy Calendar is a tool that families can use at home to develop early literacy skills that help young children become prepared for, and do better in, school.

daybydaysc.org

Family Guides for PreschoolKindergarten Development Carolina Family

Engagement Center

Explore six key areas of growth that support a child’s journey through preschool, with examples of the experiences and skills children need at ages three, four and five.

cfec.sc.gov

A Parent’s Guide to Kindergarten Transition in South Carolina

Family Connection of South Carolina

This guide provides good information for all parents navigating the transition into kindergarten in S.C., with additional useful details for families of children with disabilities.

familyconnectionsc.org

Supporting Early Literacy at Home: A Parent’s Guide

SC Department of Education

Online modules offering parents and caregivers the knowledge to foster early literacy, highlighting the crucial role of family involvement in reading success.

ed.sc.gov

Virtual SC Family Resources

SC Education Oversight Committee

SC Department of Education

A collection of helpful videos for families covering topics such as early childhood development, preparing for kindergarten, and getting ready for the school year.

virtualsc.org

What to Do If You’re Worried About Your Child’s Development

If you have worries about how your child is developing, here’s a simple step you can take: Contact your local public elementary school—even if your child doesn’t attend school there. Simply say, “I’m concerned about my child’s development and would like to have them evaluated for special education services.”

Remember, you don’t need to wait for a doctor’s referral or a medical diagnosis to make this call.

GETTING TO KNOW

My Child

A Guide for my Child’s Kindergarten Teacher

Child’s Name:

ABOUT My Child

My child’s favorite things: Color:

Food:

Book: Game/activity:

Toy:

Other Favorites:

My child’s strengths are:

My child is afraid of:

My child does not like to:

I want you to know this about my child:

Quick Information

Name and relationship of person completing this form:

My child likes to be called:

Child’s birthday:

Parent(s) Name:

Other adults living in the home:

Phone number:

Email address:

Preferred method of contact:

Best time to reach me:

My Child likes to: (check all that apply)

Listen to stories

Draw and color

Play with other children

My child learns best by: Questions? Call Family Connection's Family Information Center 1.800.578.8750

Play alone

Play outside

Play quietly

My Child’s learning experiences at age 4:

My child’s is not enrolled in any program.

My child has been enrolled in

(name of preschool or program) (date) (date) from to

ABOUT Our Family

We speak the following language in our home:

There are children in our home.

Things I would like for you to know about our family (culture, activities we do together, special practices):

Screenings & Assessments

Hearing Screening

Vision Screening Developmental Assessment

My Child’s receives these support and special services:

If your child does not receive any special services, check here.

Occupational Therapy (OT)

Physical Therapy (OT)

Speech and Language

Social Skills ABA

Please decscribe any other health needs:

Do you have any concerns about your child’s development, learning, and/or behavior? Child Care Center Parents as Teachers Family

Received Last YearReceived This YearDay/time of the WeekShould Receive

Ready for Kindergarten: A Guide for South Carolina Families is a project of the SC Early Childhood Advisory Council and supported by the Preschool Development Grant Birth through Five Initiative (PDG B-5), Grant Number 90TP0080-02-01 from the Office of Child Care, Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Total number of documents printed: 17,000. Total cost per unit: $0.63 Total printing cost: $10,705.