Getting children ready for school is team effort. When families, schools, and communities work together, we can ensure that all children start school ready to reach their highest potential. The following resources are available to help.
Starting kindergarten is a big step for young children and their families. These free, printable guides offer practical tips and activities to support school readiness, focusing on essential topics like building routines, developing early math and literacy skills, and promoting play. Designed especially for parents, these resources are also helpful for educators and caregivers.
Published by the SC Early Childhood Advisory Council, the 2024 Ready for Kindergarten Guide provides families with useful information and simple tips to prepare children for a successful transition to school.
South Carolina’s Profile of the Ready Kindergartner describes the physical, cognitive, social and emotional signs that a child is prepared for academic success. Developed by South Carolina First Steps and the SC Department of Education, it serves as the state’s official description of school readiness.
A Parent’s Guide to Kindergarten in South Carolina was developed by Family Connection of South Carolina so that families know what to expect, how to prepare, and feel confident when the first day of school arrives.
A series of family guides for preschool and kindergarten development from the Carolina Family Engagement Center.
(KRA) measures a child’s school readiness abilities at the beginning of the kindergarten year. All students entering publicly funded kindergarten programs in South Carolina participate in this statewide assessment within the first 45 days of the school year. The results help kindergarten teachers understand how best to meet the individual needs of their students.
South Carolina First Steps partners with schools, community organizations, and educators to provide professional development and offer Countdown to Kindergarten programming in local communities.
The Countdown to Kindergarten program connects kindergarten teachers with incoming students and families during the summer before school entry. Using an evidence-informed curriculum, teachers conduct six sessions with each family, five in the home and a final visit in the kindergarten classroom. Program models are available for transitions into 4- and 5-year-old kindergarten with supplementary supports for children with disabilities and dual-language learners.
The SC-ELS provides a common set of developmental expectations for young children. The document is designed as a resource for teachers, caregivers, families, administrators, and professional development providers working together to support the learning and development of South Carolina’s youngest children.
The Countdown to Kindergarten Summit is a free, virtual learning opportunity for families, educators, and advocates of rising kindergartners. Hear from experts and discover resources that can help support a smooth transition into school.
Developed as part of the Palmetto Pre-K initiative, this plan includes a range of recommendations to promote family engagement in and around school transitions.
Learn what it means to be ready and how you can help prepare your child for success.
