Kindergarten Preparation Starts Now

Help your child prepare for kindergarten by starting NOW!

Most people don’t like surprises; they like to feel ready and prepared for a new experience. Children are the same. Help your child build confidence about starting kindergarten by giving them lots of time to practice before the big day.

It is also helpful for parents to know that kindergarten teachers expect children to “do school” independently, unlike in preschool where there is always adult support.

Getting your child ready for kindergarten starts with helping them develop independence.

Start by giving your child lots of opportunities to practice self-help skills such as:

Bathroom independence

Putting on and zipping their own coat

Fastening buttons and snaps

Putting on shoes (tying shoelaces will come later)

Disposing of their own trash

Opening food packages

Make sure your child is also developing self-regulation skills. When learning new skills, frustration is normal. Encourage your child to try three times and then ask for help, without an emotional breakdown.

If they have difficulty on their own, then help them solve the problem by thinking of another option, such as using scissors to open a food wrapper.

Celebrate success when they master a new skill and watch their confidence grow!

Most importantly, if you haven’t already, set a regular bedtime routine.

Watch for announcements about your school district’s kindergarten screenings and registration sessions. They usually begin in March.

LCCAA and Wellington Exempted Village Schools are currently participating in Heading to Kindergarten through the Ohio Department of Education.

Teams receive resources and technical assistance to help children and families prepare for kindergarten.

Wellington Head Start students are fortunate to practice in the building where they will attend kindergarten (above).

When it comes to kindergarten readiness, Head Start Works!

How Old Does My Child Need to Be to Start Kindergarten

In Ohio, districts choose either Aug. 1 or Sept. 30 as the date by which a child must be 5 years old to enter kindergarten. Families can choose to wait until a child is 6 years old to enroll them in kindergarten, but at that point it is compulsory. For Lorain County schools, cut off dates are as follows.

Aug. 1

Amherst Exempted Village Schools

Avon Local Schools

Avon Lake City Schools

Clearview Local Schools

Columbia Local Schools

Firelands Local Schools

Lorain City Schools

Midview Local Schools

Oberlin City Schools

Wellington Exempted Village Schools

Sept. 30

Elyria City Schools

North Ridgeville City Schools