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Letting Go, Holding On: Supporting First-Time Kindergarten Parents
When guiding families through the transition to kindergarten, early childhood leaders should...
Jennifer Sprafka
May 28, 2025
Welcome😊📋
Last Friday, I was in my office at pick-up time when a parent walked in with tears in her eyes. As I stood up to greet her, she said, “I can’t believe I’m leaving—well, I mean, Suzie is leaving the program. I’m not sure she’s ready… or if I am.”
As leaders in early childhood education, we take on many roles. One of the most emotional moments for families is when a child transitions from preschool to kindergarten, especially if it’s their first child to go through this experience. Often, the child has been with our program since infancy, and the uncertainty of what comes next can bring up a lot of emotions, including fear and anxiety.
In this week's newsletter, I would like to take some time to discuss how we can support families during this important transition and guide them through the process with care and understanding.
Assisting families in understanding the differences between Pre-K and Kindergarten…
Understanding the differences between preschool and kindergarten can help families feel more prepared for this important transition. While both environments support children’s growth, their approach, structure, and expectations often differ in meaningful ways.
Area | Pre-K | Kindergarten |
Family | Open-door policy: parents can usually talk to teachers daily at drop-off or pick-up. | Communication may be more structured, with scheduled meetings or messages sent home. |
Daily Updates📨 | Frequent updates, photos, and personal notes about your child's day. | Fewer daily updates: communication may focus more on academic progress and behavior. |
Curriculum📚 | Play-based learning focuses on social-emotional skills, exploration, and creativity. | More academic focus with structured lessons in reading, writing, and math. |
Teacher Support🧑🏼🏫 | Teachers assist with all needs, including emotional, physical, and social, throughout the day. | Children are expected to be more independent; teachers support but may have less one-on-one time. |
Classroom Size & Ratios🏫 | Smaller class sizes and lower child-to-teacher ratios. | Larger class sizes and higher ratios are common in many public-school settings. |
Parental Involvement🧑🏼🤝🧑🏾 | Parents often participate in classroom activities, events, and volunteer opportunities. | Less day-to-day involvement: volunteering may require background checks or be limited. |
Focus of the Day🎯 | Flexible routines with lots of time for free play and hands-on learning. | Structured schedules with specific academic goals and limited free play. |
These changes can feel big, not just for children, but for parents as well. Families often go from feeling closely connected to their child’s daily experience to having less direct involvement. Knowing what to expect helps parents prepare emotionally, adjust their expectations, and feel more confident when supporting their child’s next step.
Ways teachers and families can support children as they prepare to leave Pre-K and head into Kindergarten:
As children approach the end of their preschool journey, both teachers and parents play an important role in helping them get ready for kindergarten. This transition can feel exciting—but also a little scary—for young children and their families. By introducing simple, purposeful activities into daily routines, we can help children become more independent, confident, and eager for what’s ahead.
Preparing Children for Kindergarten: School vs. Home Ideas
Focus Area | What Teachers Can Do at School | What Parents Can Do at Home |
Lunch Independence | Hold “lunchbox days” so children can practice opening containers, wrappers, and cleaning up after eating. | Pack practice lunches at home and let your child open and eat from them independently. |
Self-Help Skills | Encourage children to zip coats, put on shoes, and pack their backpacks. | Let your child dress themselves, carry their bag, and handle simple tasks like setting the table. |
Kindergarten Routines | Use visual schedules, practice lining up, raising hands, and sitting for longer group times. | Establish consistent morning/evening routines similar to school (wake-up, dress, breakfast, bedtime). |
Talking About School | Show pictures of local kindergartens, read books about starting school, or invite a guest (teacher or former student). | Visit or drive by the new school; talk about what the child will see and do there. |
Transportation Practice | Role-play bus rides, drop-offs, and pick-ups using dramatic play or structured activities. | Practice your real transportation plan (walk to school, ride the bus, or drive). Talk through the process. |
Emotional Readiness | Create “moving up” activities: memory books, drawings of kindergarten, or sharing what they’re excited about. | Talk openly about feelings, both excitement and nervousness. Offer reassurance and positive expectations. |
Comfort Rituals | Use consistent goodbye routines during drop-off (waves, high-fives, etc.). | Create home rituals like goodbye hugs, lunchbox notes, or special school-day breakfasts. |
Supporting children and their families through the transition from preschool to kindergarten is one of the most meaningful parts of early childhood education. Working together, teachers can create thoughtful, confidence-building experiences in the classroom, and parents can foster independence and reassurance at home. We can help children step into this new chapter feeling prepared, excited, and valued. This journey is not just about academics; it’s about nurturing resilience, curiosity, and a love for learning that will last a lifetime. Together, we can make this transition a positive, empowering experience for every child and family.
Till Next Time,
Jen Sprafka🖍️
Navigator of Early Childhood Leadership & Program Elevation
P.S Would you like a copy of my reading list for starting kindergarten to share with your families and teachers? Email me: [email protected]
P.P.S Did you find this helpful?
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