Getting Ready for Kindergarten
Starting school is an exciting time and a big step for both you and your child. We want to ensure families are prepared and ready for a successful school journey at KPR!
- Talk with and listen to your child about daily activities. Strong oral communication is a solid foundation for learning.
- Encourage your child to speak about their feelings, actions and needs with other children and adults.
- Find opportunities where your child can interact with children their own age.
- Provide opportunities for your child to manage alone when toileting, dressing, tidying and eating.
- Discuss personal safety routines. Encourage your child to know their name, address and telephone number.
- Read to your child regularly. Select a variety of books of different lengths and subjects.
- Support your child's fine motor skills by drawing, cutting, gluing and handling playdough.
- Encourage running, climbing and playing outdoors. Use television and technology wisely.
- Embrace everyday learning opportunities. Read signs, packages and labels, count household items and play board games.
- Contact the school principal as early as possible if you have concerns about your child's readiness for Kindergarten. Schools are a good source of information and may be able to help parents get support for their children.
Explore the topics below to learn more about preparing your child for Kindergarten.
Developmental and Speech Checklists
- Speech Checklist 3 – 5 years
- Developmental Checklist Age 3
- Developmental Checklist Age 4
- Developmental Checklist Age 5
- Early Years Check In (EYCI) and other free developmental screening tools.
- Play & Learn for activities to support children’s development.
- My Toilet Learning
- Ministry of Education – Kindergarten - Once School Starts
- Let's Go to Kindergarten
- Five Counties Children's Centre Resources
- Parent's Guide to Self-Regulation
- A parent’s guide to literacy and mathematics in kindergarten
- Learning to Play and Playing to Learn: Getting Ready for School
Contact Us
Stephanie Mazzocca
Child Care and Early Years Coordinator
Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board
1994 Fisher Drive
Peterborough, ON K9J 6X6
Phone: 705-742-9773 x2347
Toll-Free: 1-877-741-4577
Send email to Child Care and Early Years Coordinator