Getting Ready for Kindergarten: A Guide for Caregivers

Starting kindergarten is a big step for your child and your family. This article will discuss what to expect when sending your child to kindergarten in New York State (NYS), what to practice at home, how to build a strong partnership with your child’s school, and how you can feel confident and empowered as their caregiver!

Why Kindergarten Matters

Kindergarten is a year where your child builds skills that support their whole development. More specifically, kindergarten helps with the following:

• Early learning foundations: Children begin to build the reading, writing, and math skills needed for future school years. 
• Social and emotional growth: Kindergarten helps children learn how to manage their feelings, work with others, and solve small problems. 
• Routines and independence: Children get to practice following directions, trying new things, and becoming more independent. 
• Sense of belonging: Children begin connecting to their school community, teachers, and peers. 
• Family-school partnerships: Caregiver involvement during kindergarten supports stronger school engagement and better long-term outcomes. 

What Kindergarten is like in New York State

In NYS, kindergarten is not legally required, but all districts must offer it, and most children begin at age 5. Schools focus on:

• Early reading and math readiness.
• Social-emotional skills (following rules, sharing, expressing needs). 
• Learning through play.
• Hands-on activities. 
• Building strong family-school communication. 

Every school district will organize kindergarten a little bit differently, but the expectations for growth, learning, and support are similar across the state. 

When to Send Your Child: Understanding Readiness

When considering whether it is a good time to send your child to kindergarten, there are many different factors to consider, including:

• Early learning skills: Children are not expected to know all their letters and numbers when entering kindergarten, but it helps if they know some letters, can recognize and write their name, and are aware of beginning numbers. There are also skills like holding scissors and cutting along a line that are important. 
• Ability to follow simple directions: Children are not expected to sit perfectly still all day, but consider whether your child can focus for a short period of time and complete a task, even if it is not their favorite thing to do. The ability to follow simple one or two-step directions is something that will be built upon during kindergarten. 
• Early independence: Children start gaining some independence as early as kindergarten! Consider how your child copes with short stays away from you, which may include staying with a babysitter or attending preschool. They will also be expected to slowly do things like wash their hands, open snacks, and use the bathroom on their own.
• Social-emotional skills: Playing with others is a huge part of kindergarten. Consider how your child works with other kids and takes turns. Also consider how your child handles big feelings and settles themselves.

It is important to remember that all children develop these skills at different times, and schools are ready to support them! If you are unsure, you can talk with:

• Your child’s pre-K or daycare provider.
• Your pediatrician. 
• Your school district’s registration office. 
• The Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE), if your child receives services.

What to Do the Year Before Kindergarten

Whether your child attends pre-K or stays home, the year before kindergarten can help build confidence. 

If your child attends pre-K:

• Keep communication open with teachers. 
• Ask about readiness skills. 
• Encourage your child to talk about school.
• Practice consistent routines at home. 

If your child does not attend pre-K:

• Play with your child each day.
• Visit the library and read together. 
• Join community playgroups or story times.
• Practice short routines, like clean-up time or following 2-step directions. 
• Encourage independence by allowing them to practice dressing themselves, using the bathroom, and cleaning up toys.
• Talk about emotions with your child and practice ways to cope, like breathing or counting.
• Allow your child the opportunity to make small choices, like what to eat or read, to boost their confidence. 

It is important to know that both pathways are valid, and children can succeed in kindergarten with or without pre-K!

Skills to Build at Home Before Kindergarten

There are also everyday activities that can help prepare your child for kindergarten.

Social Skills

• Practice turn-taking and sharing. 
• Encourage using words to express needs.
• Play simple board games. 

Self-Help Skills

• Practice opening snacks or containers. 

• Work on handwashing and bathroom independence. 

• Encourage your child to put on and take off their jacket. 

Language Skills

• Read stories together daily.

• Ask open-ended questions, like “What do you think will happen next?.”

• Talk about their day.

Early Learning Skills

• Recognize their name in print and try to say the letters in it.

• Practice holding and using pencils, crayons, and markers.

• Practice counting things like stairs, toys, and snacks. 

• Identify basic shapes and colors.

• Follow one to two step directions. 

• Explore letters through books or signs. 

How to Build a Strong Relationship with the School

Strong caregiver-school partnerships help children adjust better and feel more confident. Here are some ways to connect:

• Attend kindergarten registration and screenings.
• Visit the school and attend open houses or orientation. 
• Ask about school routines, expectations, and supports. 
• Introduce yourself to your child’s teacher early in the year.
• Join caregiver groups or volunteer opportunities. 
• Share information that can help teachers understand your child, like strengths, needs, interests, and even worries.

Communicating early can help set a positive tone for the whole year!

Summary

Kindergarten is an exciting step that helps children learn, grow, and build important early skills. Caregivers can support this transition by building routines at home, practicing social and self-help skills, asking questions, and connecting early with schools. Children with smoother kindergarten transitions show better social-emotional adjustment and stronger engagement in school. With the right information and support, both you and your child can feel confident and ready for a strong start. After all, kindergarten readiness is strongest when children develop social, emotional, and self-help skills, not just academics!

5 Key Takeaways 

1. Kindergarten builds early learning, social, and emotional foundations. 
2. Caregivers play a powerful role in helping children feel ready.
3. Readiness is about independence and social skills, not perfection.
4. Strong communication with the school supports a smooth transition. 
5. Everyday routines at home help prepare children for kindergarten success. 

FAQs

Does my child need to know all letters and numbers before kindergarten?

No! Children come in with different skills and schools teach these foundations.

What if my child is shy or nervous?

This is normal. Practice short separations, talk positively about school, and visit the building if possible.

What if my child has delays or receives services?

Collaborate with CPSE and CSE teams or the school psychologist to receive assistance with transition planning.

What if I don’t have access to pre-K?

Home routines, reading, play, and community activities prepare children well!

Helpful resources

PBS Kids Kindergarten Readiness Activities – Click Here

Zero to Three- School Readiness Tips – Click Here

Key Terms

Readiness refers to a child’s developmental ability to participate in routines and learning-not just academics.

Transition Activities are things families and schools can do to help a child prepare for kindergarten.

Self-regulation refers to managing emotions, behavior, and attention. 

Screening refers to a short check of basic skills that is done when children register for school.

References

Eisenberg, N., Valiente, C., & Eggum, N. D. (2010). Self-regulation and school readiness. Early education and development, 21(5), 681-698.

New York State Education Department. (2025). Prekindergarten to Kindergarten Transition. Retrieved from https://www.nysed.gov/early-learning/prekindergarten-kindergarten-transition

Tobin, E., Sloan, S., Symonds, J., & Devine, D. (2022). Family–school connectivity during transition to primary school. Educational Research, 64(3), 277-294.