How do you know if your child is ready to take the leap into kindergarten? While some parents are eager to send their little one off to kindergarten as soon as possible, other parents may wonder if their child has the skills needed to thrive in the classroom.
From academic skills to social savvy, there are a few indicators that can help you determine if your child is ready to start kindergarten. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you get ready for this exciting new chapter in your child’s life.
Age cutoff for kindergarten
Children typically start kindergarten when they are 5 years old. However, specific age cutoffs vary from state to state.
BASIS Charter Schools adheres to state requirements for kindergarten enrollment age. In Arizona, children must be 5 years old before September 1 of the year in which they are starting kindergarten. In Louisiana, children must be 5 years old before September 30.
Can kids start kindergarten early?
Some states offer early admission into kindergarten in certain instances. Typically, your child’s birthday must fall within a certain range of the age cutoff. Your child may also need to pass a readiness assessment. Be sure to check with your state’s department of education to see if early kindergarten is available where you live!
BASIS Charter Schools offer an early kindergarten option in Arizona. To be eligible, your child must turn 5 years old between September 1 and December 31. For specific questions about early kindergarten enrollment, contact your local BASIS Charter School.
Kindergarten readiness skills
Children start kindergarten with a wide range of experiences and skill levels. Other than meeting your state’s age cutoff, there are no true prerequisites for starting kindergarten.
That said, if you’re trying to decide between enrolling your child in kindergarten right away or waiting another year, ask yourself if your child meets the following criteria:
- Can write their name
- Knows that you read from left to right, top to bottom
- Understands that each letter makes a different sound
- Recognizes a few common sight words
- Can sing the ABCs
- Recognizes words that rhyme
- Can name and recognize basic colors and shapes
- Can sort objects by shape, color and size
- Can count from 1–10
- Holds pencils and scissors correctly
- Can sit and listen quietly (e.g. during storytime)
- Can follow simple directions
- Can use the bathroom independently
- Can get dressed on their own
- Speaks in complete sentences
- Can clearly communicate their needs
- Can play cooperatively with peers
- Is used to spending time away from home (e.g. at preschool, daycare or a relative’s house)
If your child has mastered the majority of the skills above, they are more than ready to start kindergarten!
How to build readiness skills for soon-to-be kindergartners
You can set your child up for success by practicing kindergarten readiness skills at home! Here are a few tips for families preparing for kindergarten:
- Read regularly: Make reading a fun and engaging experience. As you read to your child, ask questions about the story, point out letters and numbers, and let your child’s curiosity guide the conversation.
- Encourage independent learning: Encourage your child to tackle tasks independently, like choosing a book to read or completing a simple craft project. This builds confidence and problem-solving skills.
- Practice social skills: Playdates, group activities and pretend play are all great ways for your child to develop social skills such as taking turns and sharing.
- Introduce writing: Give your child a headstart on their literacy skills by showing them how to trace letters. Explain what sounds different letters make, and have them practice writing their name or simple words.
- Work on self-care skills: Before your child starts kindergarten, they should know how to use the bathroom by themselves, how to wash their hands, how to get dressed, and how to put on their shoes. Practicing these skills will help your child become more independent.
- Expand their horizons: Look for activities that go beyond the basics. Enroll your child in a class at your local library, visit a new museum, introduce them to a new language, or explore more complex art projects.
When should you start applying to kindergarten programs?
The earlier you apply to kindergarten programs near you, the more likely you are to secure a seat! Every school has a different timeline for enrollment. Charter schools typically start accepting applications in the fall for the following school year. So, if your child is eligible to start kindergarten in Fall 2025, you would want to start researching and applying to schools in the fall or winter of 2024.
At BASIS Charter Schools, we have an Open Enrollment period every fall for the following school year. Applications that are submitted during Open Enrollment will be added to a random lottery if the number of applications exceeds the number of available seats. Enrollment offers are made starting in mid-January.
Once you’re enrolled, it’s time to start preparing for the first day! Read our article “Preparing Your Child for the First Day of Kindergarten.”
Learn more about kindergarten at BASIS Charter Schools
Kindergarten at BASIS Charter Schools sets the stage for long-term academic success. Our kindergarten classrooms are positive, nurturing learning environments where students are encouraged to explore, question and discover the world around them.
No matter where your child is beginning from, BASIS is dedicated to supporting each child’s unique needs. We have two teachers in each kindergarten classroom, allowing us to maximize student support. During the day, our kindergarten teachers guide students through hands-on, interactive activities that get them excited about learning. For more information on what kindergarten looks like at BASIS, read our article “A Day in the Life of a BASIS Charter School Kindergartner.”
Find a BASIS Charter School near you and schedule a tour today to experience our kindergarten program firsthand.
