What Does It Mean for a Child to Be Ready for Kindergarten?

Did you know that students who show stronger kindergarten readiness skills are more likely to succeed throughout their school years? When kids start kindergarten with the right tools—emotionally, socially, and academically—they’re more likely to thrive.

But what exactly makes a child “ready” for kindergarten? And what is the Kindergarten Readiness Assessment?

Understanding Kindergarten Readiness

In Ohio, the Kindergarten Readiness Assessment looks at a child’s development in four areas:

• Social foundations
• Language and literacy
• Mathematics
• Physical well-being.

This assessment helps families and teachers understand what will best support a student's success.

The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce offers excellent resources for teachers, families, and caregivers, including a Kindergarten Readiness Checklist. The checklist highlights developmental skills and behaviors that can help ease the transition to school and prepare your little one for this exciting milestone.

Here are just a few examples from the list:

● Can your child separate from the primary caregiver without anxiety?
● Can your child share and take turns?
● Can your child follow instructions?
● Can your child clean up after an activity?
● Can your child use the restroom independently?
● Can your child hold a pencil, crayon or marker?
● Can your child write or identify the letters in their first name?

These are just a few signs that your child may be ready to take this big step. Remember, every child grows at their own pace, and readiness doesn’t mean perfection. It means giving your child the tools, support, and encouragement they need to begin their school journey with confidence.

Explore Kindergarten Readiness at the Library

Looking for hands-on ways to build kindergarten skills with your child? Each PLYMC branch offers a Kindergarten Readiness Station, an interactive, fun activity designed to help young children build skills they’ll need for school success. Each month, a new activity is featured, so there’s always something fresh to explore.

Stop by your local branch to see what this month’s activity is and spend a few minutes learning and playing together!

Additional Resources
● Ohio’s Kindergarten Readiness Assessment
● Kindergarten Readiness Assessment Revised - Fact Sheet
● Kindergarten Readiness Checklist
● The Ready Family: An Important Component of Preparing a School-Ready Child
● Preparing a School-Ready Child
● Learn more about the Kindergarten Readiness Assessment Revised

Kindergarten readiness isn’t about mastering a checklist—it’s about building confidence through everyday moments. From holding a crayon to taking turns, following directions, getting excited about books, or counting the number of steps it takes to walk to the bedroom, these early experiences all help support your child’s growth in social, physical, language, and math development.

The Kindergarten Readiness Stations at your local library offer fun, hands-on ways to build these skills together. With support, encouragement, and opportunities to learn through play, your child will be ready to confidently take that exciting first step into kindergarten.