Supporting Your Child’s Transition from Pre-K to Kindergarten
Starting kindergarten is an exciting milestone—but it can also bring some big feelings for children and families alike. If your child just graduated from MECK Pre-K or another pre-K program, congratulations! You’ve already given them a strong foundation. Now it’s time to help them take the next step with confidence.
Here are a few ways to make the transition to kindergarten a little smoother for everyone:
Talk About It—But Keep It Calm and Positive
You may feel tempted to hype up “big kid school,” but try not to oversell it. Making too big a deal out of starting kindergarten can increase anxiety. Instead, talk about what will stay the same (like having a teacher, friends, and a classroom) as well as what might be new (like riding a bus or eating lunch in a cafeteria). Stay positive and answer your child’s questions honestly.
Practice New Routines
Over the summer, begin practicing kindergarten-friendly routines. These might include:
- Going to bed earlier and waking up on a school schedule
- Eating breakfast before heading out the door
- Picking out clothes the night before
- Practicing how to open a lunchbox or put on a backpack
Even a few “pretend” school days can help your child feel more prepared.
Visit the New School, If You Can
If your child’s school offers an open house or tour before the first day, take advantage of it! Seeing the classroom and meeting the teacher ahead of time can ease nerves. If a visit isn’t possible, try exploring the school’s website or looking at pictures together online.
Keep Building Skills Through Play
You don’t need to turn summer into school. Keep learning fun! Play board games that encourage taking turns, read books together, or do simple crafts that build fine motor skills. The goal is to help your child stay curious, confident, and connected to learning.
This video explains how pre-K learning can be fun, while also building essential math and science skills: https://youtu.be/9XJLf-lwzpQ?feature=shared
Get Connected
The more you know about your child’s new school, the more confident you’ll both feel. If the school has a newsletter, subscribe. Follow their social media accounts and browse their website to learn more about teachers, programs, and school events. See what kinds of family supports are available, and find out if they host family-centered events throughout the year. Getting involved helps build a strong connection between home and school.
Celebrate the Moment
Starting kindergarten is something to be proud of—for both of you! Whether it’s a special breakfast on the first day or a family photo at the front door, find a way to celebrate this new beginning.
About MECK Pre-K
MECK Pre-K is a high-quality pre-K program open to all four-year-old children in Mecklenburg County at no cost to families. Classrooms are located in licensed childcare centers and taught by licensed teachers and highly qualified assistant teachers. You can apply online at MeckPreK.org.
Do you have a child who is not old enough for pre-K this year? Sign up for our email list and be notified when they’re eligible for MECK Pre-K. Simply go to MECKPrek.org/future-meck-pre-k-students and select your child’s age group.