Is your child getting ready to start kindergarten this fall? It’s normal to feel a range of emotions leading up to the first day of school—especially if you’re a first-time kindergarten parent! Many parents feel a mix of excitement and anxiety, in addition to some confusion about what to expect from their child’s new school.
Starting kindergarten is a big transition—not just for your child, but for you, too. From navigating drop-off routines to getting to know other families, it may take some time to fully adjust to the new school year.
We’re here to make the transition to kindergarten as smooth as possible. Read on for a detailed look at what to expect as a new kindergarten parent at BASIS Charter Schools.
Supportive and caring kindergarten teachers
At BASIS Charter Schools, you can rest assured that your kindergartner is being well cared for during the day. We are committed to hiring the best and brightest teachers. All of our teachers have a bachelor’s degree at minimum, and are required to go through an extensive training program before the start of the school year.
Each of our kindergarten classrooms has two teachers. Our Kindergarten Expert Teachers are experts in early education, and our Kindergarten Teaching Fellows assist the lead teachers with all aspects of lessons and learning.
“Our co-teaching model truly supports our students,” says Adette Sulit, BASIS Scottsdale Primary East Kindergarten Expert Teacher. “We have two teachers to keep our learners engaged. Each teacher has different strengths and skills that they bring to the classroom, which provides a well-rounded education for our students.”
While all core subjects are taught by the Kindergarten Expert Teacher and Kindergarten Teaching Fellow, we bring in Subject Matter Experts to teach certain afternoon enrichment courses, such as Mandarin and Drama. To learn more about our teaching model and classroom environment, read our article “A Day in the Life of a BASIS Charter School Kindergartner.”
Frequent communication from the school
First-time kindergarten parents are often eager to hear about what’s happening in their child’s classroom. We make it easy to stay in the loop by maintaining open lines of communication with parents.
All of our campuses use a communication tool called ParentSquare. This tool allows teachers and administrators to post announcements to parents. You can also directly message your child’s teacher or the school administration through ParentSquare if you have a question or concern.
Additionally, we use a daily planner called a Communication Journal (CJ) to help our students keep track of assignments and to facilitate communication between teachers and parents. In kindergarten, your child’s teacher will assist them with filling out their CJ every day. The teacher will list any homework assignments or important classroom updates. We encourage parents to review their child’s CJ every evening.
Homework that reinforces core concepts
BASIS Charter Schools are well known for our accelerated and rigorous academic program, which prepares students to attend top colleges in the nation. But what does this academic program look like in kindergarten? And will your kindergartner have homework?
The answer is yes—our kindergartners do have homework, but it is age-appropriate and designed to reinforce lessons that were already covered in the classroom. Your kindergartner will not come home with homework that covers an unfamiliar concept. On average, you can expect approximately 15–30 minutes of homework per night in kindergarten. Click here to learn more about the benefits of homework.
Active and involved parent community
We encourage all of our BASIS Charter School parents to get involved in their child’s education. One of the best ways to do this is to join our parent Booster Clubs. Each of our campuses has its own Booster Club which supports the school by organizing events and holding fundraisers. Specific Booster initiatives vary from campus to campus, but may include things such as organizing school supply drives or planning spring festivals.
Joining the Boosters is a great way for kindergarten parents to meet other BASIS families and become more involved in the school. Additionally, you can ask your child’s teacher about upcoming volunteer opportunities, such as chaperoning for a field trip or coming in to read to the class.
New skills and experiences
Your child will be learning and growing a lot during kindergarten! Even after just a few weeks of kindergarten, you may notice significant academic and social growth in your child.
Look forward to fun, fact-filled conversations with your kindergartner as they tell you all about what they’re learning in school. Our kindergarten curriculum emphasizes foundational skills in math and reading. It’s amazing to see how much progress our students make from the beginning of the year to the end of the year!
In addition to learning new academic skills, you may notice your child becoming more confident and independent. These traits will develop naturally over time as your child gets used to their kindergarten routine.
Our top tips for first-time kindergarten parents
Here is our top advice for parents who are getting ready to send their child to kindergarten for the first time.
- Visit the school. Getting familiar with the general layout of the school may ease some of your concerns leading up to the first day of kindergarten. When you go on a school tour, you’ll be able to meet faculty and ask questions. Plus, you’ll know exactly where to go for drop-off and pick-up on the first day!
- Make connections with other parents. Go to school events and introduce yourself to other kindergarten parents. Chances are, many of them are brand new to BASIS, too.
- Remember that tearful goodbyes are normal. If your child is crying when you drop them off in the morning, it doesn’t mean that they hate school or aren’t prepared for kindergarten—they are just overwhelmed, and understandably so! Kindergarten is a big change from preschool or daycare. Reassure them and provide comfort, but avoid lingering for too long outside the school.
- Avoid making too many plans at the beginning of the school year. For the first few weeks of kindergarten, your child may come home tired and cranky. Instead of planning lots of after-school or weekend activities towards the start of the school year, focus on making sure your child has plenty of time to relax and play.
- Carve out time for yourself. The start of a new school year can be just as hectic for parents as it is for students! Be sure to give yourself time to rest and recharge whenever possible. As you build out your new school year routine, set aside time for reading, exercising or engaging in hobbies.
- Don’t be afraid to reach out to teachers. We’re here to help you through the transition to kindergarten! Your child’s teacher will be happy to talk through any concerns you may have. They can also provide advice on how to promote learning outside of the classroom.
For additional tips for all grade levels, read our article “Tips for Tackling the New School Year.”
Looking for more information? Reach out to your local BASIS Charter School
While all of our campuses follow the same core curriculum for kindergarten, specific program details—such as enrichment blocks, start and end times, and extracurriculars—vary from campus to campus. For a more detailed look at what to expect when your child starts kindergarten, reach out to your local BASIS Charter School.
Not enrolled yet? BASIS Charter Schools continue to accept applications throughout the summer and into the beginning of the school year. Our kindergarten program is designed to instill a love of learning in your student and set them up for long-term academic success. Find a school near you and schedule a tour today to see what makes kindergarten at BASIS Charter Schools so unique.
