Starting kindergarten is a big milestone. They’re leaving a familiar daycare or preschool environment for a brand-new classroom. The right preparation can make the change smoother. These steps can help your child transition from a daycare in Arlington to kindergarten.
Plan a Visit to the Kindergarten
Familiarize your child with their new environment by taking them for a visit to their kindergarten classroom. It’s a good idea to have them meet their new teacher and check out any facilities on site (like the playground and cafeteria). If the kindergarten hosts an orientation session, take your child along so they have a chance to meet and interact with their future classmates.
Establish New Routines
Kindergarten timings and schedules may differ from your child’s previous childcare/pre-k program. For instance, if your child is used to having breakfast at their child care center, you’ll need to ensure you have enough time to prepare breakfast.
Similarly, many kids will spend the rest of their day (after kindergarten) at daycare, so talk to them about how they’ll get from daycare to school and back, how they’ll get home, and who their emergency contacts are.
Create a Homework Plan
Unlike child care centers, kindergartens do give students homework. They’ll usually have a small worksheet or two they need to complete for the next day. Set aside some time for them to complete homework.
This can be supervised by a parent or relative in case kids need help with their assignment. Give kids a dedicated desk or a special seat in the kitchen or dining area where they can work without distractions. Make sure to balance homework time with leisure or family time so kids don’t feel overburdened.
Kindergarten Readiness Tips
Most educational daycares in Washington, D.C. give your child the foundation they need for kindergarten. In the weeks before your child officially becomes a kindergartner, you can reinforce their skills with a few simple steps:
- Read together: Set aside time in the day (or before bed) for a reading activity. Not only does this support literacy, but it also promotes bonding. Choose books about starting new adventures or a story that specifically tackles the first day of kindergarten.
- Introduce stimulating activities: Visit children’s museums and activity centers together, spend time in nature (walks at a local public garden or park will do), and support imaginative play scenarios.
- Encourage independence: Let children wash their hands, wipe their faces, and manage other simple personal hygiene tasks on their own. Some kids may easily manage these tasks. Others may need more practice.
