I knew this day would come, I knew he would grow; I just didn’t anticipate it happening so fast. From the moment my son Isaac was born he’s been with me. I rarely leave him, leaving him at our church nursery was hard for me. Now the time is coming where he will be entering a new journey in his young life…Kindergarten. Since the time he was able, I was teaching him to hold a crayon, color, and do crafts. I wanted him to love to learn, to love school, it was a plus that I loved doing it too. I honestly think I had more fun than he did at times.

Now it’s amazing to think that he’s headed off to elementary school. I’m nervous, excited, and overwhelmed with all the things I have to prepare for before the big day. I thought I would just put him in school and that’s it. But there’s more to it. At least in my opinion, I guess you could do that. I just want him to have the best, the best teachers, school, and everything else. He deserves it.

Kindergarten here we come! Here are a few tools from the parents’ perspective to help you and your child prepare for the big day.

 

1. Find a good district.

Here is southern California the schools are full! It’s important to know your surroundings and find a district that works best for you and your child. Unless you plan to send your child to private school the district does matter. In the area we live the district is not as good as the surrounding ones. You can walk into your school district and ask to have a transfer. I am in the process now, make sure you know all the deadlines because this process can take time and you don’t want to miss the cutoff.

2. Class size.

I think over the years this has been an issue for many teachers, parents, and students. The average student teacher ratio is 22 to 1. This is fairly high for a kindergarten class in my opinion. I know how active my Isaac is; as a matter of fact how active most five year olds are and I imagine that can be very overwhelming. Some schools (which takes me back to step one) in certain districts have this ratio with a teachers’ aide or student teacher helping them. I know my son, I understand his strengths and weaknesses and know that the larger class sizes may not suit him. But I am willing to try and do my part to help him and his future teacher

3. Student/Parent relationship.

This is almost just as important as your marriage! Communication with your child’s teacher is so important, for many reasons. You want to make sure that you and the teacher are on the same page when it comes to you child, both academically and behaviorally. I have been in communication with Isaac’s preschool teacher from day one. I believe the teacher sees your child in a different light. They behave and learn differently for people other than Mom.

4. Know your schools.

Today there are so many ways to find out more about schools in your area. I always turn to a site called, Greatschools.com. It’s an awesome site that provides ratings and reviews from other parents. It’s been helpful to me in finding a school for my son.

 

5. Private schools.

I have researched private schools in our area and the cost is outrageous! Kindergarten is $7,000/per year, I cannot imagine paying that much for a private education in elementary school. I would rather put that money away for college tuition. However if you can afford it, It’s great! The curriculum is more hands on and great for busy bees. They instill the arts into the curriculum along with music classes. They also provide more technology such as an iPad. It’s truly amazing.

6. Get involved.

If you are able to, get in there! Know your child’s school and surroundings. I have talked to different teachers and they all have told me how much they love parent involvement. There are different groups you can join depending on your district and school, PTA, Lunch with the principal, school board meetings, and others. It’s a great way to be a part of your community and get to know other parents.

7. Do your research.

It’s so important to do research as a parent. There are so many things we face on a daily basis that require us to read and learn about.   I have found you can go to any school and do well, my dad used to tell me: “Everyone starts out with an A, it’s up to you to keep it”. And that is so true. We have to be accountable for our kids, we teach them, the school and teachers are a tool to help us be better. Ask questions and don’t be afraid to use your voice when something isn’t right.

 

Part of me has been so afraid of my son going to elementary school; I wasn’t sure if he could handle it, or if I could handle it. However, I think that’s normal because I am also so excited for him. I am taking advice from his teacher and learning more about him everyday.  He’s truly amazing and we’re making progress together. He’s doing an amazing job in all areas, not just because I’ve been working with him, but because that’s who he is. I can’t wait to see what he accomplishes and who he beomes, and I’m sure it will be someone great! 🙂

Hope you find these tips helpful if you and your child are heading towards kindergarten.

Thanks for stopping by mommies and remember to share my blog with other mommies, so that together we can strive for mommy success.

 

XOXO,

Reina