Resources on Early Learning

Tip Sheets

Is kindergarten right around the corner? Here are some things to think about as the school year approaches.

What immunizations will my child need?

Before children can start kindergarten in Illinois, they need a physical examination by a doctor or other health care provider. They also need to have all immunizations up-to-date. Be sure to start early so they’re ready for that first day. If you’re not sure what immunizations your children need, talk to their doctor, your local health department, or call the Illinois Public Health Department at 217-782-4977.

What will the teacher expect my child to be able to do?

• A child entering kindergarten is usually able to walk, run, and climb.
• She should be able to hold and use a pencil, crayons, and scissors.
• She should talk well enough for others to understand what she is saying and know that words can be written as well as spoken. Help her see and hear how objects and sounds may be alike or different.

What group skills does my child need?

Does your child get along with other children and adults? In kindergarten he’ll need to be able to work alone and with others. He can be an “old hand” at these skills if you work with him on

• listening to a story in a group;
• following rules;
• remembering and carrying out two or three directions;
• taking turns, respecting others’ property, and sharing;
• taking care of his own things, such as his coat;
• going to the toilet and washing his hands; and
• finishing his work.

What kinds of knowledge and experience help prepare my child?

• Help her learn about the world around her. Take her on interesting trips—to the library or grocery store, on a bus ride, or to a museum or park—and talk with her about what she sees. Encourage her curiosity, and help her find answers to her questions.
• Teach her the names of colors and shapes.
• Make sure she knows her full name and how to get to school and back.
• Check the Illinois Early Learning Standards (http://illinoisearlylearning.org/standards) and Benchmark links for activities that can help get your child ready for school.

What will my local school expect of my child?

Find out by taking advantage of any early kindergarten screening or school visits your school may offer. Call the school office and ask if there is information on what is expected of students and parents.

What if my child needs special help to be ready for kindergarten?

Call your local school district office or Child Find at 800-323-GROW (Voice and TTY) to find out about preschool screening or services for children who have special needs.

To learn more about getting ready for kindergarten, see these Web sites:

• Is My Child Ready for Kindergarten?
  http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/familydevelopment/00132.html
• Books to Share with Children Who Are Getting Ready for Kindergarten
  http://illinoisearlylearning.org/chat/helm/sup2.htm
• Kindergarten Corner
  http://www.isbe.state.il.us/earlychi/html/kindergarten_corner.htm
• Kindergarten Entry Skills
  http://ceep.crc.uiuc.edu/poptopics/k-entry.html
• IEL Interactive Chat: Getting Ready for Kindergarten
  http://illinoisearlylearning.org/chat/helm/sup.htm#resources
• ReadyWeb
  http://readyweb.crc.uiuc.edu
• Promoting Smooth Transitions to Kindergarten
  http://www.recognitionandresponse.org/content/view/22/108

Spanish: La preparación para el kindergarten

The opinions, resources, and referrals provided in this Tip Sheet are intended for information purposes only and should not be considered or used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We advise parents to seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health care provider with questions regarding their child’s health or medical conditions.

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