**Note: To be eligible to attend the UPK program a child must be four years old on or before December 1st of the school year in which they are enrolled or who will otherwise be first eligible to enter public school kindergarten the following school year.

**NOTE: To be eligible to attend kindergarten in September 2024, a child must be 5 years old on or before Dec. 1, 2024, for 2024-2025 school year.

Register Online for Kindergarten Registration for the 2024-2025 School Year in January 2024.

The list below shows some of the skills that kindergarteners will be developing over the year. You can help by practicing some of these together ahead of time!

That said, don't put too much pressure on your child — or on yourself. Keep in mind that this list simply includes guidelines; the exact expectations may vary from program to program. 

• Identify some letters of the alphabet using flashcards

• Grip a pencil, crayon, or marker correctly

• Write first name using upper- and lowercase letters, if possible

• Count to ten

• Bounce a ball

• Classify objects according to their size, shape, and quantity.

• Speak using complete sentences

• Recognize some common sight words, like “stop”

• Identify rhyming words (Try fun Rhyming Word Matching activity)

• Use scissors, glue, paint, and other art materials with relative ease (Crafts are a great way to incorporate this skill)

• Repeat full name, address, phone number, and birthday

• Play independently or focus on one activity with a friend for up to 10 minutes

• Manage bathroom needs

• Get dressed 

• Follow directions

• Clean up after self 

• Listen to a story without interrupting 

• Separate from parents easily

Don’t panic if your child hasn’t nailed everything on the list: Kids learn a lot in kindergarten. What’s more important is to wean children from relying on you to do things they could do themselves, such as zipping a jacket or tying shoes. Give your child the chance to show you what they can do — you might be in for a few surprises!