Preschool Readiness Checklist

Social and emotional readiness

• Can spend some time away from primary caregivers without extreme distress
• Can play near other children, even if not always with them
• Recovers from disappointment within a reasonable time
• Can follow simple two-step directions ("get your shoes and bring them to me")
• Shows interest in pretend play or social games

Communication readiness

• Uses words to ask for things, even short phrases
• Can communicate basic needs ("hungry," "potty," "tired")
• Understands and responds to "no" appropriately most of the time
• Can name common objects, body parts, colors

If your child speaks Spanish at home — that's a strength, not a worry. Look for a preschool with bilingual staff so your child can communicate naturally in either language. (Marietta Academy is bilingual.)

If your child isn't quite ready

That's fine. Most preschool readiness skills develop quickly between ages 2 and 3. If your child is missing several items above, focus on:

• Time around other children (playdates, library story time, the park)
• Practice with simple self-help routines at home
• Reading together every day
• Setting up small predictable routines (snack time, bath time, bedtime)

Some children benefit from one more semester in toddler care before moving up. A good school will partner with you on the timing.