Before preschool, parents can communicate with the program by asking a child’s preschool teacher or childcare provider for feedback, including observations and information. Sharing information with a child’s teacher and school staff can also help them be ready for the child and begin an educational partnership. American Academy of Pediatrics
This is not a universal preschool-readiness checklist. It focuses on communication with preschool staff and on broad changes that may accompany early childhood: children may become more independent, focus more on adults and children outside their family, and be shaped by their interactions with people around them. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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Ask the preschool teacher or childcare provider for feedback
The American Academy of Pediatrics advises parents to ask their child’s preschool teacher or childcare provider for feedback. This can provide useful observations and information about the child in that setting. American Academy of Pediatrics
Share information with the teacher and school staff
Sharing information with your child’s teacher and other school staff can help them be ready for your child. It also begins an educational partnership. The American Academy of Pediatrics offers this guidance for parent–school communication. American Academy of Pediatrics
For broader resources, visit Education at Home and School.
Broad changes that may accompany early childhood
Early childhood can bring broad changes rather than a fixed set of requirements for starting preschool. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that children may become more independent and begin to focus more on adults and children outside their family. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Children’s interactions with the people around them can also help shape their personality and their own ways of thinking and moving. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Frequently asked questions
What can I ask my child’s preschool teacher or childcare provider before preschool begins?
You can ask for feedback. A preschool teacher or childcare provider can offer observations and information about your child.
Why is it useful to share information with preschool staff?
Sharing information with your child’s teacher and school staff can help them be ready for your child. It also begins an educational partnership.
What changes may happen during early childhood?
Children may become more independent and focus more on adults and children outside their family. Interactions with people around them can help shape their personality and ways of thinking and moving.
Make the first conversation count
Before preschool begins, ask staff for feedback and share the information you want them to know about your child. This gives you a practical starting point for an educational partnership.
