Every child develops at their own pace, but these skills can help prepare children for a successful transition to kindergarten.

Independence & Social Skills

My child can:

  • Separate from parents with confidence.
  • Use the bathroom independently.
  • Listen when others are speaking.
  • Take turns and share with others.
  • Follow two- and three-step directions.
  • Use words to express needs and feelings.
  • Dress independently (coat, pants, zippers, buttons, snaps, and shoes).
  • Wait to be called on without interrupting.
  • Put toys and materials away after use.
  • Participate in group activities.
  • Listen to a story for at least five minutes.
  • State their first and last name.
  • Say their parents’ names.
  • Know at least one phone number and their home address.
  • Know their birthday (month and day).

Early Literacy & Math Skills

My child can:

  • Recognize and write their name.
  • Draw pictures to express ideas.
  • Recognize some uppercase and lowercase letters.
  • Identify letter sounds.
  • Recognize rhyming words.
  • Hold a book correctly and turn pages.
  • Retell a familiar story.
  • Count from 0–20.
  • Recognize and write numbers 0–20.
  • Demonstrate quantities for numbers 0–10.
  • Sort objects by color, size, and shape.
  • Identify basic shapes, including:
    • Circle
    • Square
    • Rectangle
    • Triangle
    • Oval
    • Rhombus (diamond)

Fine Motor Skills

My child can:

  • Hold a pencil with control.
  • Use child-safe scissors.
  • Open lunch containers independently.

Gross Motor Skills

My child can:

  • Jump with two feet.
  • Hop on one foot.
  • Skip.
  • Run with good stamina.
  • Bounce a ball.
  • Catch and throw a ball.
  • Climb playground equipment safely.