Kindergarten Readiness Archives - Child Care Answers

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Learning begins at birth. Children are born with a great ability to learn and grow and by the time they turn three, they have already begun laying the foundation for life-long learning and success. By supporting all areas of their children’s development, parents are helping their children prepare for school. At a glance Rather than […]

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Literacy Development

Practicing literacy skills through play Play is critical to literacy development in young children. It allows them to use their curiosity and creativity, develop critical thinking skills, experiment with language, engage with different styles of text, and strengthen focused attention. In the resources below, you’ll learn about the lasting impact of play-based learning on literacy […]

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Math Play & Learning

Practicing math skills through play Play is critical to mathematical development in young children. It allows them to use their curiosity and creativity, develop critical thinking skills, engage with others to solve problems, and strengthen focused attention. In the resources below, you’ll learn about the lasting impact of play-based learning on mathematical development and how […]

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Language Development

The Power of Language Talking and listening to your child is one of the best ways to support them during the critical brain-building years. Because language is foundational to all other areas of development, simple conversations (talking and listening to your child), reading, and labeling things in your child’s environment are some of the best […]

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Social-Emotional Development

Developing Self-Regulation Skills We have all experienced a child having a tantrum – and may have had one ourselves from time to time! Children experience the same emotions and feelings adults feel but have yet to develop the language skills to verbally express them fully and in an appropriate manner. Additionally, children are still developing […]

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Developing Independence

Building Your Child’s Self-Help Skills Children begin to learn new self-care skills when adults invite them to be part of the process – resisting the urge to do things to or for them. Self-help skills encourage young children to start taking responsibility for themselves and are an essential life skill. Helping young children develop skills — […]

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Transition to School

Ensure success on day one and beyond Change can be hard, but it’s easier when you have a hand to hold. We’re here to help make the transition of your school-ager to school a positive experience. Below you will find a variety of helpful resources to help set your child up for success as they […]

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Choosing the Best Toys for Your Child

by Lauren George, Family Support Specialist Children are explorers and inventors who learn by doing. Play gives children an opportunity to develop and practice new skills at their own pace by following their unique interests. With hundreds and hundreds of options in the store, and thousands online, choosing toys should be easy, right? The toys […]

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Hooray for Pre-K and Bartholomew County!

by Cheryl Tyler, Outreach Coordinator Congratulations to Bartholomew County on becoming one of the newest On My Way Pre-K counties added to the program! Governor Holcomb announced the addition of Bartholomew along with 14 other counties last month. HARD WORK PAYS OFF The Bartholomew County Early Learning Coalition worked for years in hopes that pre-K would be […]

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Pre-K: Which environment is best for your family?

by Marla Segal, Pre-K Project Manager Recently, pre-K has been a hot topic in the State of Indiana. Studies have shown that pre-K can have long term benefits for your child’s development1. It helps prepare them for kindergarten, and it helps their social-emotional growth. It can be overwhelming to find the right pre-K program for your child. […]

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Helping your Child Prepare for Going Back to School

by Jenny Mathis, School Age Specialist As a mom of a thirteen year old, I understand the struggle that can ensue after a long summer of staying up late, sleeping in late, and having little to no structure to the day. Like the rest of the parents out there, I recognize the potential stress that […]

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Preparing Your Child for Kindergarten

by Marla Segal, Child Care Answers Pre-K Project Manager The time has come; your child has turned five and soon will be heading off to begin a new journey into kindergarten. This life event can be exciting and scary for both you as the parent and your child. As a Pre-K Program Manager, a common question parents […]

Kindergarten Readiness