Preparing your child for first day of kindergarten

Editor’s Note: Today’s column is Part 2 of “Preparing for Kindergarten”. If you missed Part 1 of the column, published in the August 15 Herald, you can find it online at www.pentictonherald.ca

Getting a child ready for kindergarten can mean a lot of things. It is really a combination of skills, behaviours and attitudes that ensure a successful and positive transition from early childhood to school readiness.

The resources, activities, programs and opportunities that I am sharing today will help caregivers and parents prepare children intellectually, physically, socially and emotionally for the excitement and wonder of kindergarten. Whether your child attends a Community Centre program, Family Daycare, Childminding service, Infant/Toddler centre, 3-5 yr. old Group Childcare Centre, Preschool/PlaySchool program or a StrongStart BC Centre part-time or full time, they will have many opportunities to play, practice and explore.

As I mentioned in Part 1 last week, we are so fortunate to live in a province where early learning is a priority and we have so many high quality programs and options for young children in our own community.

In addition to the wide range of quality early childhood opportunities I mentioned, your younger children can take advantage of a wonderful free program your School District offers at each elementary school for 3-year-olds and their parent/caregiver. The Ministry of Education's “Ready, Set, Learn” program is a valuable information session for parents and their preschoolers. It provides information on community resources and services, Kindergarten readiness, the importance of play, reading with your children and the home, school and community partnership.

You and your child will also receive a tour of the elementary school in your neighbourhood and take home a copy of the Ready, Set, Learn booklet. This booklet is also available on your School District website under the heading “Parents” and then, “Early Learning” and “Ready, Set, Learn”.

If you have not attended a session and wanted to read and practice with your child who will be attending Kindergarten this Fall you are able to download and print a free copy. Each year a “Ready, Set, Learn” schedule is posted on the website so that parents and preschoolers may attend at the school nearest their home.

You will also find a list of all StrongStart BC Centres on the Ministry of Education website and an informative brochure that assists in explaining the purpose and objectives of this very positive, universally accessible, free and beneficial program for the early years.

Visit www.sd67.bc.ca for Penticton and area residents for additional links, articles and brochures for the early years, Strongstart and for current research on preparing for kindergarten. They have also included a short video: Why are the Early Years important? along with informative resources for separation anxiety, ways to support your child, the importance of play, and the benefits of gradual entry to kindergarten.

Lastly, please always remember to relax. Preschoolers change so quickly that they can begin to do things one week that they couldn’t do the week before. Continue to give your child positive support, lots of opportunity to play, practice and explore and encourage their curiosity about the world they live in.

If you have concerns about early learning and growth and development, seek out professionals in your community such as Pediatricians, Child Development Specialists at OSNS, specialists at your local Health Centre and/or an Early Childhood Educator and remember that you are not alone with your concerns. Enjoy your journey through childhood and parenthood and remember that it is not a race as these days will not last forever, as I have realized, as my only son turned 23 years young this past January. Dear Brenda Lee is written by author and advice columnist, Brenda Lee Fisher, Early Learning Expert with 35 years’ experience working with children of all ages and specializing in the early years. Connect with her at www.brendafisherbarber.com.