A kindergarten program shapes early learning. It welcomes children who turn 5 by September 1st. In Mansfield, registration is open in January and closes by late February. Start filling out a pre-registration form online. Once the forms are reviewed, you’ll get a confirmation e-mail. You will be given the school schedule with a short screening for waiver candidates. The curriculum blends player literacy, math, and social skills.

Making your child kindergarten-ready

• There are certain readiness steps to prepare your child for kindergarten at Mansfield Kindergarten. These steps can be practised at home.
• Read aloud every day. Choose from a variety of books to increase vocabulary and strengthen listening skills.
• Point out letters in everyday settings. For example, look at the signs and the labels to reinforce recognition.
• Sing alphabet songs and nursery rhymes to make letters fun and memorable.
• Teach numeracy skills by counting objects. Practice one-on-one correspondence.
• You can also play simple board games that require moving a piece and counting spaces.
• Teach children sorting by itemising things by shape, size, or colour. Introduce them to categorisation and patterns.
• Social-emotional skills are an important part of kindergarten education and are integrated with other children so that their children can learn to share and take turns.
• Use dolls or action figures to discuss feelings and problem solving.
• If emotions run high, teach children breathing exercises or counting to 5.
• Now is a good time to encourage outdoor play, running, jumping, and climbing. Build gross motor skills
• Let children be independent when they start dressing themselves to improve hand-eye coordination.
• Ask them to help you with simple chores around the house, like setting the table and putting their toys away.
• Start a morning routine. For example, the child gets dressed, they brush their teeth and pack a backpack. Encourage independence when using the washroom.
• Ask open-ended questions to promote expressive language. You can play I Spy or identify desirable objects to build descriptive vocabulary.
• Discuss short stories or listen to audiobooks together.
• Offer simple puzzles and sorting games to enhance cognitive skills. Use matching card games to improve their memory and attention.
• If possible, practice arriving and leaving on time to simulate a school drop-off routine. Take your child for a visit to the school playground or classroom before the first day to reduce anxiety.

What you should know before enrolling your child at Mansfield Kindergarten?

• The registration opens in early January and closes in late February. Complete an online pre-registration once you have received an e-mail confirmation. Attend the screening if needed.
• The age requirement is children who turn 5 by the first of September of this school year. Waiver for birthdays between September 2nd and December 31st.
• You will need a birth certificate or a proof of date of birth, all immunisation records, proof of residency and custody papers.
• School hours are 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM. These include circle time, play and rest.

The readiness steps build your child’s skills. Top kindergarten facilities in Mansfield boost development and readiness at school entry. Make sure to practice simple literacy, numeracy, and social skills at home.