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Kindergarten Readiness

Kinderboost®: Making Their First Day the Best Ever

As the “back-to-school” season rolls around, many children are getting ready with new backpacks, lunchboxes and new routines. But for children living in poverty, this exciting time may be filled with dread. Children living in poverty are more likely to start school with limited language skills, health problems and social and emotional issues that interfere with learning. In fact, education statistics show that among the nearly 15 million children living in poverty in the U.S., half aren’t ready for school by age 5. That’s why, Save the Children established our signature KinderBoost program – to help ensure the transition to kindergarten is a smooth and successful one for America’s kids.

What is KinderBoost?

KinderBoost is a two-week school-readiness program that provides children and families opportunities to become familiar with their new school environment, meet school staff, make new friends and engage in early learning activities. We work in partnership with communities, fostering authentic connections between school and family. The two-week child-education program includes:

  • Skill-based learning centers focusing on math, literacy, fine motor skills and more
  • An in-school field trip
  • A family literacy event
  • Resources for families to help their children prepare for success in school, including children’s books, school supplies and a backpack
  • A graduation celebration

KinderBoost Sample Schedule:
8:30 – 8:45 a.m. – Arrival
8:45 – 9:00 a.m. – Opening songs and activities
9:00 – 9:45 a.m. – Calendar math and circle time
9:45 – 11:30 a.m. – Learning centers
11:30 – 12:00 p.m. – Story time
12:00 – 12:30 p.m. – Lunch
12:30 – 12:40 p.m. – Goodbye songs and dismissal

Taste of Kindergarten

Taste of Kindergarten is a ½ day event for families and children aimed to support their transition process during this exciting milestone. Children and families will begin the day eating a healthy breakfast together and end the day enjoying a healthy lunch along with the school staff. Children are provided opportunities to explore a classroom, which is set-up to reflect a typical day in the life of a Kindergartner, participate in fun and engaging learning centers and tour the school with an In-School Field Trip.

Families will have opportunities to attend a readiness workshop, receive learning games to support learning at home, learn the importance of preparing their child for kindergarten and become familiar with the school layout and staff through a guided tour.

Then, families and children will come together for a culminating event where they will receive many additional materials to support learning at home along with new backpacks and school supplies.

Explore Our Other U.S. Educational Programs

Early Steps to School Success — This home visiting program helps parents become their child’s first and best teacher by offering language development and pre-literacy instruction for parents and their children up to age 5. Learn more.