It seems our children grow up so fast, one minute you are swaddling your baby in a blanket and the next they are ready for kindergarten. For many parents the idea of sending their child out into the world for the first time can be scary and you may be wondering if your child is ready for that monumental step. There are a few simple things you can do and some signs that you can look for that will help you determine if your child is ready to embark on their academic career.

The first thing that you should do to determine kindergarten readiness, is to take your child for a physical. This will ensure that they are up to date on all of the necessary vaccinations and that they are in good health.

You can also have your doctor check for any hearing difficulties and also perform an eye exam, so that you are positive any needs are being addressed. Your doctor can also make sure that your child has met all of their developmental milestones, so that you know they are on target for their age.

Take your child on a tour of the school to help the prepare for the upcoming school year. See if you can arrange to meet their teacher and take a look at the classrooms and school building with your child. This will help you create a level of excitement with your child and also help them develop a level of security with the unfamiliar.

The most important thing that will help you determine whether or not your child is ready for kindergarten, is their current academic level. They should be able to speak fluidly in sentences, they should know their personal information, they should be able to dress them self and have proper social skills and manners.

Children should also have the ability to follow simple instructions and have some knowledge of shapes, colors and numbers.