Preschool Readiness Checklist
Practical skills teachers care about most — ready to print and stick on the fridge.
This Weekend
- Download communication apps (Talk & Listen) and story apps (Daniel Tiger, First Day of School).
- Practice bathroom independence (you wait outside).
- Buy Velcro shoes and label belongings (nickname is fine).
- Open every lunch container your child will use.
Next Week
- Daily separation practice with short, predictable goodbyes.
- Backpack pack/unpack routine once per day.
- Teach phrases: “I need help please.” “I need the bathroom.” “I feel sad.”
- 15 minutes independent, calm app play (Create & Play).
Week Before
- Drive by school and name the teachers positively.
- Reset to a school-night sleep schedule.
- Practice the morning routine (clothes → breakfast → backpack → goodbye).
- Prepare a simple comfort item (small car, photo) if allowed.
Emergency Prep
- Separation: micro-separations → longer; never sneak out; use a short goodbye ritual.
- Potty: timed trips, easy-off clothes, send extra everything, coordinate with teachers.
- Speech: picture cards/sign basics; daily Talk & Listen; brief teachers on needs.
Tip: Teachers prioritize calm participation and basic independence. Academics can wait.