School Readiness

It is never too early to start preparing your child to succeed in school. School readiness refers to having a child being ready academically, socially and good communication skills and display independence to succeed in school. Getting your child ready for school requires parents and caregivers spending time reading, talking and playing with your child.

To assist your child academically for school, you should:
Read to your child every day and talk about what you have read.
Go to the library and check out books.
Sing songs
Help your child recognize their own name and have them try to write it.
Let your child color, draw, cut and paste.
Play with puzzles that help with problem solving.
Play games and sing songs to help teach the alphabet and numbers.

To assist your child socially, you should:
Have a regular routine for meals and bedtime.
Set rules and have consequences for not following them.
Encourage your children to play with other children.
Teach the basics of sharing and taking turns.
Teach children not to hit, scream or other negative behaviors.

To assist your child develop a sense of independence, you should:
Buy clothing that is easy for your child to do on their own
Have your child do simple chores around the house
Let your child work on puzzles or games by themselves

To assist your child in developing communication skills, you should:
Have conversations with your child
Teach your child to listen when others speak
Help children learn and use new words



If your child is enrolled in a child care program, make sure they have well planned activities that encourage and promote learning. Preparing your child ahead of time will help make school and more rewarding experience for them.