Kindergarten Readiness Checklist

Free and easy-to-use school readiness checklist for childcare providers

Kindergarten readiness involves more than academic skills; it includes social-emotional, physical, language, and cognitive development that prepares children for a successful start in school. With our free checklist, childcare providers can assess each child’s progress in these key areas, identify strengths, and support growth where it’s needed most.

Why Use This Kindergarten Readiness Checklist?

This Kindergarten Readiness Checklist is designed specifically for childcare providers to:

• Assess Development: Get a clear snapshot of a child's readiness across essential developmental domains.
• Guide Family Communication: Share progress and readiness milestones with families, helping them support their child’s transition to kindergarten.
• Support Smooth Transitions: Prepare children with the skills they need to confidently enter kindergarten and thrive in a structured learning environment.

What’s Included in this checklist:

This checklist covers four key developmental areas crucial for kindergarten readiness:

• Physical and Motor Skills: Identify physical abilities, including fine and gross motor skills, that promote independence and confidence in the classroom.
• Cognitive Skills: Review academic readiness indicators, including early literacy, numeracy, and problem-solving abilities.
• Language and Communication: Evaluate communication skills like following directions, expressing needs, and engaging in conversations.
• Social-Emotional Skills: Assess children’s ability to interact with peers, manage emotions, and adapt to new settings.

Disclaimer

This checklist is for informational purposes and should be adapted to meet the standards set by your state or local school district. It’s not a definitive measure of readiness, as each child’s progress is unique.

After downloading this checklist, explore our additional early education resources to enhance your childcare business operations and support your success:

• First Day of School Checklist for New Families
• Family-Teacher Conference Checklist for Childcare Centers and Preschools
• Open House Checklist for Childcare Centers and Preschools
• New Family Orientation Checklist for Childcare Centers and Preschools
• Childcare and Preschool Supply List