Transitioning to School

Preparing children for kindergarten and school readiness

Effective: September 2026 | Reviewed Annually

Starting kindergarten or elementary school is an exciting milestone for children and families. At Country Lane Early Learning, we are committed to helping children develop the confidence, independence, emotional readiness, and foundational skills needed for a successful transition into a school environment.

Preparing Children for School

Children are encouraged to build independence through daily routines, self-help skills, classroom responsibilities, and problem-solving opportunities.
Activities throughout the program support early literacy, communication, social-emotional development, fine motor skills, listening skills, and school readiness.
Positive classroom routines help children learn how to follow directions, participate in group activities, and transition between activities successfully.
Children are encouraged to build confidence, responsibility, respectful behavior, and positive social skills as they prepare for a school setting.

Supporting Families During the Transition

Families are encouraged to visit their child's future school and meet teachers whenever possible before school begins.
Parents are encouraged to begin adjusting bedtime and morning routines several weeks before school starts to help children transition more smoothly.
Open communication between families and caregivers helps children feel more secure and confident during periods of change.
Families are encouraged to maintain positive and encouraging conversations about school, learning, and new experiences.

Records & Enrollment Transfer

Contact your child's future school early to confirm required enrollment documents, which may include a birth certificate, immunization records, and proof of residency.
Request a copy of your child's immunization records and any relevant health or developmental notes from Country Lane Early Learning to provide to the new school.
Let us know if you would like a summary of your child's time in our program to share with their new teacher.

School Readiness Tips

Label backpacks, lunch boxes, water bottles, jackets, and other belongings clearly with your child's name.
Read books together about starting school and talk positively about new experiences and routines.
Practice skills such as handwashing, toileting, opening lunch containers, cleaning up, and following simple directions independently.
Encourage children to express feelings and ask questions about starting school.
Allow children opportunities to make simple choices and practice independence whenever possible.

Supporting Children During the First Days of School

Children may experience excitement, nervousness, separation anxiety, or emotional ups and downs during the transition to school.
Consistent routines, encouragement, reassurance, and patience help children adjust successfully.
Parents are encouraged to keep goodbyes positive, calm, and reassuring.
Celebrating small successes helps children build confidence and feel proud of their accomplishments.

Parent Partnership & Communication

Families are encouraged to stay involved in their child's education and maintain communication with teachers and school staff.
Parents should review school information, newsletters, and communication regularly to stay informed about schedules, routines, and important events.
Building a positive partnership between home, childcare, and school creates the strongest support system for children.
Children benefit most when families, caregivers, and teachers work together to provide consistency, encouragement, and support.

Questions & Program Contact

Questions about your child's transition to school or requests for records may be directed to: Sara Kingston, Program Coordinator/Director, sara@countrylaneearlylearning.com, (801) 792-9837.

Our goal is to help children leave Country Lane Early Learning feeling confident, capable, loved, and excited for the next stage of learning and growth. We are honored to be part of each child's early childhood journey and look forward to celebrating their future success.