It’s a decision faced by every parent with a child attending pre-K or preschool in Boston , though it is not always a clear choice.   Determining your child’s school readiness involves more than their age or whether their peers are ready to advance. Before making the assumption that moving from a Boston preschool program into pre-K or kindergarten is automatic come Autumn, consider your child’s individual needs.

Every child is unique

Each child is an individual who develops at his or her own rate.   Whether they attend the best Brookline preschool or pre-K program or remain home during these years, children develop readiness skills at an individual pace.   Both their learning environment and rate of development effect readiness.

There are a number of factors involved when considering whether it is time to transition from a Boston preschool program into kindergarten. Keep the following in mind for your Boston or Brookline preschooler   :

• Late birthdays – Not all same-aged children are alike developmentally.   Those with birthdays early in the school year can show greater readiness than those with birthdays very late in the year.   A child with a June birthday, for instance, may have more in common developmentally with a younger child than a child of the same age with a September birthday
• Social skills – How comfortably your child interacts with others in their Brookline preschool can be an important indicator of their readiness for the greater demands of a kindergarten program.
• Attention span – Your child’s ability to focus and thrive in their Boston preschool program can also predict whether they are prepared for a kindergarten setting.
• Motor skills – There is a significant difference between the gross and fine motor skills required for a preschool in Boston and kindergarten program.   Your child’s physical development can indicate their level of preparedness.
• Independence – A typical kindergarten curriculum demands a greater level of independence and self-direction than most Boston or Brookline preschool programs.   Before transitioning to kindergarten, it is important that youngsters are comfortable working independently.

Making the decision

Work in partnership with your child’s Boston preschool or pre-K teacher to evaluate their school readiness.   Regular communication, as well as scheduled parent-teacher conferences really can help the decision making process.  

Readiness screening is a major component of the best Brookline preschool programs.   Your child’s teacher can be of great assistance identifying areas where your child may need additional help as well as areas where they flourish.   Requesting the results of your child’s screening throughout the school year can be very helpful in your decision-making process.

When it is time to decide whether your child is ready to transition from a Brookline preschool or pre-K program to kindergarten, remember age should not be the only factor considered.   It really is a question of physical, emotional and developmental readiness.