Kindergarten Parent Orientation
Before your child starts kindergarten, you should attend a kindergarten parent orientation. Most schools offer some kind of parent orientation before the school year begins. At most orientations, you’ll be able to visit the classroom your child will attend, and meet the teacher. If you have any questions or concerns, you can ask the teacher before your child attends class. The teacher will hand out information about what they’ll cover in the classroom, what goals they have for students, and school rules and policies.
What to Expect at Orientation
Many schools make orientation mandatory for kindergarten parents, so you need to find out whether your attendance is required. Some also require paperwork, like birth certificates, if you haven’t provided them to the school already. You’ll see the classroom, meet your child’s teacher, and find out about school policies. Some schools offer half day kindergartens, while others offer full-day classes, so you need to know what the hours are, and when your child needs to get to school to avoid being tardy. Many schools send home “daily folders” with notes, tips, and school papers, and they want them emptied out every day. The teacher will go over homework and classroom assignments, and talk about the school’s policies on attendance, discipline, and more. This is the time to ask questions about any of your concerns in these areas.
Teachers will also tell you how they handle birthdays and other classroom celebrations, when report cards come out, and when your child should stay home sick. They probably look for classroom volunteers, so if you want to be more involved in your child’s education, this is the time to speak up and volunteer. The teacher may also share a presentation on what a typical day in the classroom is like, so you know how your child will be learning.
Often schools blend kindergarten registration with a parent orientation meeting. Most schools require documents to register your child, including immunization records, birth certificates, and proof of address, like a utility bill. Usually, if you forget these items, the school won’t register your child, so make sure you find out what you need before registration.
Kindergarten parent orientation is important because it gives you information about your child’s classroom experience, and involves you in their education. Attending one of these orientations is a great gift for your child, and helps build a foundation on education that will serve them for a lifetime.