Kindergarten Readiness and Changing Expectations

The State of Ohio’s Department of Children and Youth has prioritized kindergarten readiness. Officials are using innovative initiatives to encourage an increase in kindergarteners ready for school as demonstrated by performance on the state’s Kindergarten Readiness Assessment.

What is the Kindergarten Readiness Assessment?

The Kindergarten Readiness Assessment is a standardized tool developed in partnership between the states of Ohio and Maryland as part of the 2009 Federal Race to the Top grant program. Together, the state Departments of Education and partners created an evaluation to determine the readiness of children entering kindergarten and to serve as a tool for teachers to better understand and support their incoming students.

Children are evaluated across four domains:

• social foundations
• mathematics
• language and literacy
• physical well-being and motor development

The test is given by teachers and administrators who have received mandatory training and is completed through observation and tasks. Depending on the district-set age requirements for entry into kindergarten, children as young as 4 or as old as 6 could be taking the assessment. Assessment data must be returned to the state by November.

What Does Readiness Mean for My Child?

While the Kindergarten Readiness Assessment provides data for schools, parents might ask, “what does readiness mean for my child?” There isn’t a standard definition of readiness due to changing expectations of kindergarten, which have shifted over the past few decades. Academic standards once expected in first grade curriculum are now seen in kindergarten classrooms. As a result, the kindergarten classroom and schedule look much different than in previous years. Group tables have replaced play stations, napping cots, and toys. Kindergarten was once a time when children were learning to interact with peers and the very basics of language and math. Now, kindergarteners are already expected to have many of these skills to be deemed ready.

Today’s kindergartners need to be able to pay attention and engage in structured tasks for longer periods of time. Teacher-led instruction and assessment are priority to child-led activities such as exploration, art, music, and imaginative play. This more rigorous academic environment expects children to put their play aside and focus on reading, writing, and mathematics. This can be challenging for many students, especially those who have never attended formal schooling. Teachers and administrators are doing their best to meet these new demands, and communities across Ohio are stepping up to support schools, parents, and our young students.

County-led Initiatives such as Future Ready Five in Franklin, Journey to 5 in Licking, Pre4Cle in Cuyahoga, and Preschool Promises in Montgomery and Hamilton are supporting families with young children. They are committed to supporting preschool access and programs that serve young children. 

Nationwide Children’s Hospital is one of many organizations in our community supporting kindergarten readiness. Kindergarten Readiness Coordinators in Primary Care provide Literacy Screeners to children ages 3-5, providing learning kits and links to community resources. The Kindergarten Readiness Coordinators also contributed to the 700 blog with Is My Child Ready for Kindergarten?

Kindergarten has changed and expectations are higher, but families are not alone. There are resources that can support your child. Your primary care doctor and local libraries are a great place to start. They can provide you with additional information on helping your child be ready for today’s kindergarten.