Kindergarten Prep
St. Louis County Library, Mo.
Innovation Synopsis
Often parents don’t think about the transition to kindergarten until the summer preceding kindergarten. A successful transition is a process that begins much earlier. St Louis County Library created the Kindergarten Prep program that provides parents/caregivers and children with a overview of what to expect in kindergarten.
Challenge/Opportunity
Children entering school for the first time are expected to interact with other children, follow directions, take care of their belongings and cooperate with their peers and teachers. Parents need to know what signs indicate kindergarten readiness in time to strengthen those skills. Those who are prepared have a better chance of success in this new learning environment.
Key Elements of Innovation
During each session, children and parents are divided into groups. Library staff work with the children to simulate activities that take place during a normal school day (story time, craft, forming a line, etc.). Across the room, parents observe their children as another library employee describes the importance of what the children are doing. Parents also receive a folder with materials from the local school district about school readiness.
Achieved Outcomes
- 29 sessions since 2015
- 302 kids attended
- 356 adults attended
- Every branch has hosted at least one program
Shortly after we offered Kindergarten Prep program at a branch, a parent commented, "My daughter did not want to go Kindergarten and protested it every time we tried to bring it up. After Saturday, she can't stop talking about how much she wants to go to Kindergarten. Thank you so much!"
