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FALL CHECKLIST FOR PRESCHOOL PARENTS:  A Guide to Preparing for Kindergarten

by Lindsay Skelton, M.Ed., CAEP©, Assistant Director of Admission | Lower School: Primer - 3rd Grade
 
Although many of us have just returned to school in some way shape or form - whether in-person, digital, homeschool, or a hybrid - believe it or not, it is already time to start thinking about next year for parents of 4 and 5 year olds preparing for Kindergarten!  But where do you begin?  What is the best way to determine whether a school can fit your child’s and your family’s needs?  How can you be sure that your child is ready for Kindergarten, academically, socially, and emotionally?  Read below for a guide of where and how to start.

Research
- Get online!  School websites provide an overview of information that can help narrow down potential options as you consider items most important to your family.  With just a few clicks, you can determine where a school is located, who they serve, what programs are offered, and most importantly, what comprises their mission, values, and goals.  

In addition to your online search, talking to family, friends, neighbors, your pediatrician, and current preschool teachers/staff can help provide recommendations and personal experiences.  If you do not have a network of local people to poll, many schools would be happy to connect you with current parents or other ambassadors with whom you can speak.  
 
Tour - Get informed!  Once you have a list of your top school options, schedule a tour to visit the campus, if possible.  This is the single best way to get a feel for a school and imagine your child sitting in one of the seats there.  Make a list of questions to bring with you.  Important details to glean include: class size/student:teacher ratios, how the school addresses safety, security, and student well-being,  academic curriculum and enrichment opportunities, and parent/community involvement.  Ask what skills and characteristics a graduate of the school will have.   
           
Don’t be afraid to follow up with additional questions or to obtain more information to assist as you explore your options.  School choice is a big decision, and there are many factors to consider for your child and your family!
 
Apply/Register - Get the Process Started!  One common misconception is that you have your mind made up before applying to a school.  This is absolutely not the case!  In fact, I encourage families to consider going through the application process for a variety of reasons.  First, you will likely gain valuable information about your child’s individual learning needs.  Many schools involve some sort of assessment and will share those results with parents.  Additionally, you will learn a lot about the school and how they communicate with you.  Finally, by applying early, you will have access to first spaces available, giving you options as you make your final choice.  

At CCES, we open applications for the next school year on October 1 and have a priority deadline of December 1.  Many schools, both public and private, have first round deadlines and may fill up quickly, so I recommend doing your research and applying in the fall.
 
Are They Ready? - One of the biggest questions I get in my admission role is whether a child is ready for Kindergarten.  The academic and social-emotional expectations for school are undoubtedly higher than in the past.  A huge benefit to going through an application process as mentioned above is to receive feedback about your child’s developmental readiness.  Summer birthdays, maturity, and independence can all be factors to weigh when determining the best timing to start Kindergarten.  

By doing initial research, visiting schools, and going through the application/registration process, you will have a good sense of what school will best serve your family’s needs.  Preparing for Kindergarten is a very exciting and special time, and you are well on your way to finding a place to educate, nurture, and create a foundation of learning for your child. 
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Christ Church Episcopal School (“CCES”) admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at CCES. CCES does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, national or ethnic origin, creed, religion, or sexual orientation in the administration of its educational policies, admission policies, financial aid, scholarship or other programs, or athletic or other school-administered programs and activities.