Starting kindergarten is a big milestone – for your child and for you! At Preschool for All (PFA), we want every child to feel confident, supported, and excited as they make this important move. Here’s what you need to know about how we help children and families prepare for kindergarten.
What is a kindergarten transition?
You may have heard terms like “kindergarten readiness” or “kick-off to kindergarten.” All of these refer to the transition period when children move from preschool or home into elementary school.
This transition doesn’t happen all at once, it’s a process that begins up to a year before kindergarten starts and continues through your child’s first year in school.
Why it matters
A smooth transition to kindergarten helps children:
- Adjust to new routines and expectations
- Build confidence and social-emotional skills
- Do better in school now and in the future
- Feel more comfortable in new environments
- Stay connected to their family and community
When children feel safe and supported as they start kindergarten, they are more likely to thrive.
How PFA supports transitions
At PFA, we believe it’s not just about whether a child is “ready for school.” It’s also about whether the school is ready to welcome the child – and whether families are supported during the change.
Our preschools focus on:
- Teaching skills that match what children will experience in kindergarten
- Partnering with families and local schools
- Supporting children socially, emotionally, and academically
- Helping children with disabilities or delays move from early intervention plans (IFSP) to school plans (IEP)
- Making sure families have clear, helpful information
What PFA providers are doing
PFA preschool sites across Multnomah County are always taking action to help children prepare. Some of the things they’re doing include:
- Talking with families about kindergarten
- Visiting kindergarten classrooms and teachers
- Planning lessons about kindergarten in the preschool curriculum
- Inviting past students to talk about their kindergarten experiences
- Hosting graduation events and field trips to kindergarten schools
- Helping families with school registration, transfers, and paperwork
- Attending school meetings to support families, especially for children with special needs
- Sharing fun signs like “Where I’m Going to Kindergarten!”
These efforts are growing every year, and we’re proud of the strong partnerships between families, preschools, and elementary schools.
Other community programs that help
Many local partners also support kindergarten transitions. For example:
Early Kindergarten Transition (EKT) offers free summer programs where children can:
- Meet their new teachers and classmates
- Learn about school rules and routines
- Participate in fun activities
- Connect families with school staff
Students who join EKT are more likely to attend school regularly and meet early learning goals.
Other programs that help with kindergarten transitions include:
- Jump Start Kindergarten
- Preschool Promise
- Oregon Pre-Kindergarten (OPK)
- Head Start
- MECP (Multnomah Early Childhood Program)
We’re here for you!
Kindergarten is the beginning of an exciting new chapter. If you have questions about your child’s transition, please reach out to your preschool provider.
Let’s make this a joyful, successful start for every child!