Transition to Kindergarten Parent Guides: What Does a Great Kindergarten Program Look Like?

This may be the first time your child goes to school.

Some things to look for in a kindergarten program:

• Children have a program that is appropriate. This means teaching and materials make sense for the age and needs of all children.
• The number of children to adults is small. This allows the adults to know a child’s abilities and needs.
• Children and parents feel welcomed into the class.
• Children have a class program that supports the needs and abilities for all children.
• Children learn in both large and small groups.
• Children make choices and decisions. Children are supported to start activities.
• Children have both quiet and active times in the program.
• Children have plenty of supplies and materials. There are enough available for the number of children in the class.
• The teacher smiles and is friendly to all the children and parents. The room feels safe, warm and caring.
• The teacher talks with children using a soft or comfortable voice. When the teacher talks to a child she/he gets down to his/her eye level.
• The teacher respects the differences of families. They support the sharing of family cultures.
• The teacher supports parent involvement in the class.
• Sometimes children listen to the teacher’s lessons. Other times the children select where and how they want to spend their learning time.
• The teacher shares with parents what is happening at school. The teacher and family work together to solve problems.
• The room is clean, orderly and welcoming.
• The teacher manages regular childhood behaviors, like sharing and taking turns, so children feel safe and included.