Kindergarten Readiness Skills

Kindergarten Readiness Skills
By Parent Marketing Group|

Starting kindergarten doesn’t need to be a scary time for a child or parent. The Academy offers Kindergarten Boot Camp every summer to teach kindergarten readiness skills. Learn more about our pre-K programs here.

But, as a parent, you can help your child enter kindergarten with confidence by working on readiness skills at home. Here are some suggestions for working on these skills with your child.


Reading Readiness Skills

Reading books to your child is an obvious activity for reading readiness. But let the child handle the book and teach the child such things as how to hold it in the correct position, open the cover, and turn the pages. While reading to your child, help your child identify rhyming words and recognize letters of the alphabet. After finishing a story, ask your child questions about the story and have your child retell the story to you.

Social & Emotional Development

In kindergarten, teachers will expect your child (with just occasional reminders) to:

  • remain focused for a length of time
  • work well independently
  • follow rules
  • regulate his own behavior
  • listen when others are speaking

You can encourage these skills at home by expecting the same from your child. When your child doesn’t follow rules or interrupts, gently remind your child by saying things like, “Your sister was talking first. Please wait ’til she’s finished. Don’t forget, it’s not polite to interrupt.” Or, “Remember the rule. No running in the house.”


Fine Motor & Self-help Skills

Be aware that kindergarten teachers will expect children to be able to be able to: carry a lunch tray, open packaged food items, take care of toilet needs, and button or zip their clothes without assistance.

Using a pencil and scissors are also fine motor skills that a child needs to have before going to kindergarten. Encourage your child to practice using a pencil by writing his or her first and last name and the upper- and lower-case letters of the alphabet. Ask your child to draw several simple pictures (Mom or Dad, dog, tree, etc.) on one sheet of paper. Then use scissors to cut out each one.


Find an Academy Preschool Near You

You can also check out our preschools in your city by clicking on any of the links below:

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Helpful Answers for Families Choosing The Academy

These FAQs share clear details on enrollment, daily routines, learning programs, safety, and what to expect once your child begins at The Academy.

What ages do you accept?

The Academy offers early learning programs designed for children from infancy through Pre-K. Each classroom is built around age-appropriate routines, developmental milestones, and learning goals that support growth at every stage. Children receive the structure they need to feel secure while still having the freedom to explore and learn through play, hands-on activities, and teacher-guided instruction.

We use the Frog Street curriculum to provide consistent learning across classrooms and age groups. This curriculum supports early literacy, communication, motor development, and social-emotional skills through structured themes and purposeful activities. Our teachers follow curriculum-based lesson plans while also adapting the day to each classroom’s pace, helping children stay engaged and supported as they make meaningful progress.

Yes. Enrichment programs are included in tuition and offered throughout the week. These sessions add variety and excitement to a child’s routine by introducing creative activities, movement, cultural exploration, and age-appropriate science experiences. Enrichment helps children build confidence, discover new interests, and stay motivated by adding new learning experiences beyond the core classroom schedule.

Strong parent communication is a key part of a successful childcare experience. Families receive updates through our communication system, which may include daily reports, photos, and important notes about meals, naps, or classroom moments. Our team aims to keep families informed, reduce surprises, and create consistent support between home and school throughout the year.

Safety is a top priority at every Academy location. Our centers follow structured protocols for drop-off and pickup, classroom supervision, and daily accountability. Staff are trained to maintain safe routines and consistent classroom expectations while supporting children in a calm environment. During a tour, families can learn more about entry procedures, classroom organization, and how we prioritize safety every day.

The easiest way to schedule a tour is by submitting the tour request form on our website. Once we receive your information, a team member will follow up to confirm availability, answer initial questions, and help you choose the best program for your child’s age. Tours are a great time to explore classrooms, learn about daily routines, and better understand the Academy experience.

Before your child starts, our team will share a simple list of items based on your child’s classroom and age group. Most families bring labeled supplies such as extra clothing, diapers or pull-ups if needed, wipes, and any approved comfort items. Teachers will also guide you through routines for drop-off, communication updates, and what to expect during your child’s first few days.