I am a preschool teacher looking for insights into how to prepare preschoolers for kindergarten. How can preschool teachers prepare children for this transition? And what are some ways kindergarten teachers make children’ s transitions smoother?

DEANN, WASHINGTON

As a preschool director, I reached out to our local public and private school kindergarten teachers to ask what they are looking for and appreciate in a student as they start kindergarten. I think we all have alumni families who would love to put us in contact with their teachers. I was surprised and happy to receive the feedback( such as recognize and write name, social and emotional qualities). Having these reach outs has been impactful for our teachers and the families.

DANE, CALIFORNIA

We implemented a Getting to Know Me form that families and preschool teachers fill out before the transition to kindergarten. It gives childspecific details that would be helpful for their kindergarten teachers to know at the beginning of the year. Things like how to help calm the child, what might cause frustration for the child, their preferred name, and what they get excited about and can be a leader for.

ELIZABETH, MICHIGAN

One routine that I always teach the first week of kindergarten is about getting drinks of water and using the restroom. School always started in August here in Phoenix for my school district, so it was very hot! We would pick up our children on the playground to start the day, and we would stop at the restroom on the way in and get drinks.

Throughout the day, we would get drinks of water during transitions. I would also always leave early going to lunch or specials( music, physical education) to stop at the restroom, so they didn’ t miss any of their special area time.

DEB, ARIZONA

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56 Educating Young Children

Spring 2026