CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) RESOURCE CENTER Read More
Add To Favorites

Family Focus: Tips to help parents, kids prepare for kindergarten

Sun - 7/4/2018

After a few years of toddler fun, the time has arrived. My 5-year-old will be attending kindergarten in August. She is thrilled. I'm freaking out a little. Both of us can't wait!

If you are in the same situation as I am, here are a few tips from other parents and teachers that they have shared with me and now I want to share with you.

Find out which school your child will be attending and reach out. Most schools had registration in the spring, but if you haven't contacted them yet, definitely do that as soon as they open. Registration requires documentation that you may need to gather and the school might ask to screen your child before school starts. They may also require vaccines that your child might need to get before school starts.

If you are not familiar with the school, ask when you can take a tour and/or meet the teachers. Becoming familiar with the school and staff can help you feel more comfortable the first day of school.

Ask for information. Do the students wear uniforms? Is there a handbook available? Will your child need to take money for lunch? Is there an after-school program? What about transportation? Being prepared before the first day of school can prepare you and your child with a better understanding of what you will need in order to be successful.

Make this milestone memorable. The more your child is excited to go to school, the more your child will have a positive view and attitude toward education. Have good communication with their teacher from day one. As much time as teachers spend with our children, we can't forget that we are their first teachers and we are responsible for the overall education of our children. Ask questions, set goals and ask about concerns that may arise.

If you had the blessing to send your little one to preschool, you had some practice, but if you didn't, make time during the next few weeks to get ready for this next phase in your life. I'm sure the future school of your child will be pleased to see that you have a strong interest in your child's education.

Summer will quickly be coming to an end and school will start in the blink of an eye. Don't postpone getting yourself and your child ready. It will make a world of difference when school starts.

Diana Maldonado is a benefits analyst at Yuma Regional Medical Center. She can be reached at dmaldonado@yumaregional.org.