By Joan Yesner, Sari Isdaner Early Childhood Center Pre-K Head Teacher, Butterfly Class
It’s that time of year when many parents of Pre-K students ask, “is my child ready to start Kindergarten in September?”
Surprisingly, there is no simple answer. In the past, as long as your child was 5 years old by October 1 (that is the requirement in the Cherry Hill School District), your child was eligible to start Kindergarten. Although theoretically that hasn’t changed, the educational system has changed. Children are under a lot of pressure to perform at an academic level that they may not be developmentally ready for.
Years ago, children learned to read anywhere between kindergarten and second grade. This was (and still is) considered to be developmentally appropriate. Now in 2017, high school students are bombarded with AP classes, middle school students are doing work considered to be for high school students, and elementary school children are compelled to prepare for an inordinate amount of standardized testing.
Kindergarten has become the new first grade. Whether this is “right” or “wrong,” as a parent, you need to decide and prepare your child for the start of their official academic career.
A successful Kindergarten candidate will:
- Demonstrate social skills that enables them to take turns, play appropriately, problem solve, and make friends
- Can write their name, speak in full sentences that are easily understood
- Able to follow directions
- Show a love of learning
If your child has a summer birthday, or you feel that delaying the start of kindergarten would benefit your child in the years to come, please consider giving your child a “gift of a year” by enrolling them in our Transitional Kindergarten (TK) program. This class, which operates with a maximum of 10 students, enables your 5 year old to grow and mature in an age appropriate and creative learning environment. Setting your child up for success is the greatest gift you can give them.
If you are looking to enroll your child in kindergarten, pre-K, or even infant and toddler care, we would love to meet you and show you what makes the Sari Isdaner Early Childhood Center so very special. Please call us anytime at (856) 424-4444 x1242 to set up your personal tour with one of our directors, and be sure to mention this blog post and receive $250 off on your 2017-2018 tuition!
