Starting kindergarten is a major milestone for your child and for you. Families often ask us what a child should know before the first day. Academics matter, but the most important readiness skills at this age are practical and emotional: independence in the bathroom, comfort separating from parents, and the ability to follow simple directions. This handout covers what we think matters most, including the medical and developmental pieces that are easy to overlook in the back-to-school rush.
Start with the Kindergarten Physical
Every Florida public school child needs a school-entry physical and up-to-date immunizations. The five-year well-child visit is the ideal place to handle both at once. Plan to schedule the visit a few months before the school year begins, since summer appointments fill up quickly.
At the school physical we will:
- Complete the Florida DH 3040 School Entry Health Exam form.
- Review and update required immunizations, including DTaP, IPV, MMR, varicella, and hepatitis B.
- Discuss annual influenza vaccination, recommended for everyone six months and older, ideally before the end of October.
- Perform vision and hearing screening, and refer for further evaluation if results are abnormal or cannot be completed in the office.
- Discuss any concerns about development, speech, behavior, or attention.
- Talk about sleep, nutrition, screen time, and physical activity.
Core Readiness Skills
Children develop on their own timelines, and perfect mastery in every area is not required. If you are unsure whether a skill is reasonable for your child’s age, bring it up at the visit.
Self-care and independence.
- Using the bathroom without help, including wiping and handwashing.
- Opening a lunch container and eating within the time allowed.
- Putting on and taking off a jacket, shoes, and backpack.
- Telling an adult when something is wrong.
Social and emotional.
- Separating from a parent without prolonged distress.
- Sharing and taking turns.
- Naming simple feelings such as “I’m mad” or “I’m sad.”
- Using words to ask for help.
Cognitive and academic.
- Recognizing their own first name in print.
- Recognizing most letters of the alphabet.
- Counting to at least ten.
- Identifying common shapes and colors.
- Sitting and listening to a short story.
Motor skills.
- Holding a crayon or pencil with reasonable control.
- Using scissors with supervision.
- Running, jumping, and climbing with age-appropriate coordination.
Build Habits That Help at School
- Sleep: Five-year-olds need 10 to 13 hours of sleep per 24 hours. Six-year-olds need 9 to 12 hours. Begin moving bedtime earlier in the last few weeks of summer.
- Meals: Practice eating a full meal in 20 to 25 minutes and opening common containers.
- Mornings: Walk through the morning routine several times before school starts so it feels familiar.
- Reading: Reading aloud for 10 to 20 minutes a day is one of the highest-yield things you can do to prepare a child for kindergarten.
When to Ask Us About a Concern
Call us before school starts if your child:
- Has trouble understanding age-appropriate speech, or is still difficult for unfamiliar adults to understand.
- Has persistent trouble with attention, impulsivity, or hyperactivity.
- Has separation anxiety that feels out of proportion.
- Has developmental delays you are concerned about in any area.
- Is not up to date with well-child visits, vaccinations, or dental care.
A brief conversation early is better than a crisis in September.
FAQ
How can I help with separation anxiety?
Build a short, consistent goodbye routine. Keep your exit calm and confident. Visit the school once or twice before the first day if possible.
What should my child be able to do alone?
Use the bathroom, wash hands, put on shoes, and open a lunch box are the core expectations.
Does my child need to read before kindergarten?
No. Recognizing most letters and enjoying books is plenty.
What if my child is shy?
Build confidence with small playdates or library storytime. Most children warm up within the first few weeks of school.
Bottom Line
Kindergarten readiness is less about academic drills and more about independence, routine, and the medical and developmental pieces that support a successful year. Schedule the school physical early, read together every day, and bring any concerns to us so we can address them before the first bell.
Call ELP at (727) 372-6760 or schedule online. Stay healthy my friends.
Sources
- American Academy of Pediatrics, HealthyChildren.org: articles on school readiness and the five-year well-child visit.
- AAP Bright Futures Guidelines, five-year visit.
- Florida Department of Health: DH 3040 School Entry Health Exam and DH 680 immunization form requirements.
- AAP and American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommendations on sleep duration for children.
