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Early childhood experiences lay the foundation for a child’s future achievement and academic success. In fact, 90 percent of a child’s brain architecture is built before the age of 5.
The goal is that each child enters kindergarten at age 5 socially, emotionally and academically prepared for success. Many factors influence a child’s start in life. Strong community partnerships are essential to support young children’s early learning, healthy development and strong families.
To advance kindergarten readiness, all Kansas kindergarten classrooms are utilizing a new tool to better understand students’ development. The Ages & Stages Questionnaires provide a snapshot of children’s developmental milestones. As caregivers know their children best, they complete both versions of the questionnaires.
This data won’t be used to keep a child from entering kindergarten. Instead, it will help teachers build strong relationships with parents and ensure classrooms are ready to best serve incoming kindergarteners.
Kindergarten readiness begins at birth and occurs throughout a child’s earliest years. You, as a parent (a person who is the primary caregiver who may or may not be a biological parent), are a child’s first teacher. Every environment you create is a learning environment. The lessons and experiences you give your child impact their lifelong learning. School readiness is the result of the early learning years.
“ School readiness involves more than just an individual child. School readiness, in the broadest sense, is about children, families, early environments, schools and communities. Children are not innately ready or not ready for school. Their skills and development are strongly influenced by their families and through their interactions with other people and environments before coming to school.”
— Source: Maxwell, K., & R.M. Clifford. 2004. Research in Review: School Readiness Assessment. Young Children 59 (1): 42-46.
An essential building block for future achievement and academic success is school readiness. The years before kindergarten influence future success. Providing your child with healthy meals, physical activity and affection, as well as talking to them as much as possible, helps ensure your child has the skills to help him or her succeed.
— Source: Kindergarten in Kansas. Kansas Parent Information Resource Center, Kansas State Department of Education. 2021.
The Kindergarten in Kansas Booklet is available in the following languages:
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Questions about this page, contact:
Denise Kahler Director, Communications and Recognition Programs (785) 296-4876 dkahler@ksde.org
Cheryl Franklin Graphic Design Specialist (785) 296-4909 cfranklin@ksde.org
To advance kindergarten readiness in Kansas, all Kansas kindergarten classrooms are utilizing a new tool to better understand students’ development. The Ages & Stages Questionnaires, Third Edition (ASQ-3) and the Ages & Stages Questionnaires: Social-Emotional, Second Edition (ASQ: SE-2) provide a snapshot of children’s developmental milestones. The Kindergarten Readiness page has more information.
Kansans Can Star Recognition Program
The Kansas State Department of Education does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs and activities. (more information...)
To accommodate people with disabilities, on request, auxiliary aides and services will be provided and reasonable modifications to policies and programs will be made. To request accommodations or for more information please contact the Office of General Counsel at gc@ksde.org or by 785-296-3201.