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This tool kit is an ideal planning resource for early childhood professionals as they coordinate a successful transition to kindergarten that benefits children, their families, and schools. Using an anti-bias lens throughout, this updated edition incorporates current best practices in the field while also considering the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on kindergarten readiness. Filled with information, advice, and activities, Ready for Kindergarten includes discussion questions, reproducible checklists, and assessment and planning templates to help you prepare children for the transition to kindergarten.
Acknowledgments
Preface to the Second Edition
Beyond the Pandemic
Emerging Trends
Introduction
This Book Is for You
Information and Practical Advice
How the Book Is Organized
Chapter 1: Children Ready for School, Schools Ready for Children and Families
The Concept of School Readiness for Children
The School Readiness Road
The Role of Language and Literacy in School Readiness
Early Learning Standards and Indicators of Progress
Play and Learning Standards
Equity in Learning for Children in the Twenty-First Century
The Concept of Ready Schools
Ready Schools Need Ready Personnel
Education Is a Complex Professional Field
Families’ Hopes and Anxieties
Family-School Partnerships Are a Special Effort
Educators as Cultural Guides
Discussion Starters
Chapter 2: Kindergarten in the Twenty-First Century
A Brief History of Kindergarten
The Philosophical Foundation for the American Kindergarten
The Reality of Current Kindergartens
New Academic Pressures
Full-Day versus Half-Day Kindergarten
Kindergarten as the Bridge between Preschool and Elementary School
The Impact of Home on School Preparation
What Kindergarten Looks Like Today
Two Kindergarten Classrooms Observed
Preparing Children for Kindergarten
Discussion Starters
Chapter 3: Preparing Children for Kindergarten
Going to Kindergarten Is a New Situation
Temperament
Child Development 101: Growth Is Not a Straight Arrow
Preparing Dual-Language Learners
Preparing Children with Special Needs
Understanding the Kindergarten Teacher’s Challenges
Whose Job Is It to Prepare Children for Kindergarten?
Special Transition-to-Kindergarten Activities
Discussion Starters
Chapter 4: Preparing Families for Kindergarten
A Road Map to Kindergarten
Families’ Hopes
Families’ Anxieties
Addressing Families’ Feelings and Needs
Helping Families Prepare Children
Six Reassuring Messages
Special Transition Activities to Prepare Parents for Kindergarten
Discussion Starters
Chapter 5: Preparing Early Educators
Early Educators’ Roles
All Who Care for Children Are Teachers
Practical Tools for Gauging Early Literacy Behaviors
Providing Feedback to Parents
Early Childhood Educators Learn about Kindergarten
Discussion Starters
Chapter 6: Transition-to-Kindergarten Planning
Continuity Is the Goal
Thinking about Logistics
Pre-K to K–12 Collaboration
Yes, a Good Transition to Kindergarten Can Happen!
A Few Last Words
Discussion Starters
Appendix A: Resources
Appendix B: Are Children Ready for Kindergarten? Checklist
Appendix C: Are Families Ready for Kindergarten? Checklist
Appendix D: Are Pre-K Teachers, Family Child Care Providers, and Family Educators Ready to Prepare Children for Kindergarten? Checklist
Appendix E: Transition-to-Kindergarten Strategic Plan Template
Appendix F: Action Plan for Transition-to-Kindergarten Activities Template
References