How Do I know if My Child Is Ready for Kindergarten?

Michigan allows a child who is five years old on or before December 1 to sign up for kindergarten.

• Some children seem too young or not ready for school. Some families and teachers believe that getting older will help the child get ready for kindergarten. This is not always true; remember that children change a lot between May and September.
• Children grow and develop by learning from the world around them.
• New people and children help your child learn and grow.
• All children need time to talk about what they are doing with adults and other children.
• Kindergarten can help parents help their children at home.
• The following website gives more information about kindergarten enrollment age and alternative kindergarten programs: http://www.michigan.gov/mde/0,1607,7-140-5234_6809-48211--00.html.

The Family

Every child wants to feel safe and ready to succeed in school. Your family is the most important part in supporting your child to achieve this. Parent involvement improves your child’s school success. It also helps your child feel good about himself or herself. Family support helps encourage them to learn.

• Maintain a daily routine that includes mealtimes, snacks, and bedtimes.
• Be sure your child’s shots and health check-ups are current.
• Make sure your child has plenty of play and outdoor time.
• Play with your child.
• Listen to your child.
• Talk to your child.
• Read to your child.
• Write with your child.

The Schools

• Work with families and neighborhoods so children enter kindergarten ready to succeed.
• Must be ready to teach children who come to school with different experiences of learning.
• Teach the material children need to learn for that grade level.

All young children can learn if they are given proper material, encouragement and family support.