Getting Ready for Kindergarten
Is my child ready for kindergarten? I often receive this question around this time of year. First of all, Nebraska law entitles children to a free/public education the year that they turn five on or before July 31stof the ensuing year. The only requirement for a child to attend kindergarten is to be five years old on or before July 31. However, there are conditions and skills that help your child be more successful in kindergarten. According to the booklet Ready for Success, published by the Nebraska Department of Education, children perform better when they are healthy, rested and well fed. Students have more success when they are able to pay attention and follow directions, communicate their thoughts and feelings, able to practice self-control and not disrupt others, and take care of their own things and needs (i.e. dressing, using the restroom, and washing hands). Children that are confident, cooperative, curious, and enthusiastic about new activities tend to thrive in the kindergarten classroom. Things we can do as partners in the future of your child’s education include promoting good health and physical skills, encourage a positive attitude and social skills, and support knowledge and thinking skills. For more information about school readiness, visit https://www.education.ne.gov/oec/school-readiness/