--- title: Transition to Kindergarten | SDStepAhead description: Prepare your child for a successful transition to kindergarten with our comprehensive resources and activity calendar. --- [Skip to content](https://sdstepahead.com/ages-stages/transition-to-kindergarten#main-content) [(605) 773-3678](tel:+16057733678) This is a search field with an auto-suggest feature attached. - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. Close - Age-Level Continuum - [Infants (Birth - 12 months)](https://sdstepahead.com/ages-stages/infants) - [Younger Toddlers (8-21 months)](https://sdstepahead.com/ages-stages/young-toddler) - [Older Toddlers (18-36 months)](https://sdstepahead.com/ages-stages/older-toddler) - [Younger Preschooler (33-48 months)](https://sdstepahead.com/ages-stages/younger-preschooler) - [Older Preschooler (45-60+ months)](https://sdstepahead.com/ages-stages/older-preschoolers) - [Transition to Kindergarten](https://sdstepahead.com/ages-stages/transition-to-kindergarten) - Learning Domains - [Approaches to Learning](https://sdstepahead.com/learning-domains/approaches-to-learning) - [Social Development & Emotional Development](https://sdstepahead.com/learning-domains/social-emotional-development) - [Communication, Language, & Literacy](https://sdstepahead.com/learning-domains/communication-language-literacy) - [Cognitive Development](https://sdstepahead.com/learning-domains/cognitive-development) - [Health & Physical Development](https://sdstepahead.com/learning-domains/health-physical-development) - [Appendix A: Supporting Children With Disabilities](https://sdstepahead.com/learning-domains/appendix-a-supporting-children-with-disabilities) - [Appendix B: Supporting Dual Language Learners](https://sdstepahead.com/learning-domains/appendix-b) - About - [Purpose, Children’s Success & Working Together](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/about-sd-stepahead) - [Guiding Principles](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/guiding-principles) - [SDELG Organization](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/sdlg-organization) - [Using SDStepAhead](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/about-sdstepahead) - [Glossary](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/whats-ahead) - [Frequently Asked Questions](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/faqs) - [Find Services](https://sdstepahead.com/find-services) - [Professional Development & Resources](https://sdstepahead.com/resources) - [Contact](https://sdstepahead.com/contact) SEARCH [![SD Step Ahead Logo](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/StepAhead-Logo-Color.png?width=858&height=194&name=StepAhead-Logo-Color.png)](https://sdstepahead.com/?hsLang=en) - Age-Level Continuum - [Infants (Birth - 12 months)](https://sdstepahead.com/ages-stages/infants) - [Younger Toddlers (8-21 months)](https://sdstepahead.com/ages-stages/young-toddler) - [Older Toddlers (18-36 months)](https://sdstepahead.com/ages-stages/older-toddler) - [Younger Preschooler (33-48 months)](https://sdstepahead.com/ages-stages/younger-preschooler) - [Older Preschooler (45-60+ months)](https://sdstepahead.com/ages-stages/older-preschoolers) - [Transition to Kindergarten](https://sdstepahead.com/ages-stages/transition-to-kindergarten) - Learning Domains - [Approaches to Learning](https://sdstepahead.com/learning-domains/approaches-to-learning) - [Social Development & Emotional Development](https://sdstepahead.com/learning-domains/social-emotional-development) - [Communication, Language, & Literacy](https://sdstepahead.com/learning-domains/communication-language-literacy) - [Cognitive Development](https://sdstepahead.com/learning-domains/cognitive-development) - [Health & Physical Development](https://sdstepahead.com/learning-domains/health-physical-development) - [Appendix A: Supporting Children With Disabilities](https://sdstepahead.com/learning-domains/appendix-a-supporting-children-with-disabilities) - [Appendix B: Supporting Dual Language Learners](https://sdstepahead.com/learning-domains/appendix-b) - About - [Purpose, Children’s Success & Working Together](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/about-sd-stepahead) - [Guiding Principles](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/guiding-principles) - [SDELG Organization](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/sdlg-organization) - [Using SDStepAhead](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/about-sdstepahead) - [Glossary](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/whats-ahead) - [Frequently Asked Questions](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/faqs) - [Find Services](https://sdstepahead.com/find-services) - [Professional Development & Resources](https://sdstepahead.com/resources) - [Contact](https://sdstepahead.com/contact) ![](https://sdstepahead.com/hubfs/kids-getting-back-school-together.jpg) # Transition to Kindergarten ## Definition Transitions represent periods or stages of change and can often bring out feelings of uncertainty. In early learning environments, children experience several transitions throughout their daily routines. These can be as simple as going from home to another care setting to moving from one house to another. Each transition presents an opportunity for children to adapt and grow, but it's essential to acknowledge and support them through these changes to ensure a smooth and positive experience. ## What does it mean to be school ready? School readiness means that *children* are ready for school, *families* are ready to support their child's learning, and *schools* are ready for children. Readiness also means that children possess the skills, knowledge, attitudes, and overall well-being necessary for success in school and for later learning and life. Physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development are all essential ingredients of school readiness, and a child’s health and nutrition play an important role in supporting each of these areas. Healthy nutrition, regular physical activity, adequate sleep, preventive health care, and attention to developmental and health needs help children have the energy, focus, and ability to fully participate in learning.  Whether a child attends a center-based preschool setting, a home-based preschool setting, a Head Start, or learns through parent-driven experiences, early "school" experiences can provide stability and consistency between settings. Supporting children’s health, nutrition, development, and learning together helps build a strong foundation for a successful transition to school and continued success throughout their educational journey.  [Healthy Children Are Ready to Learn](https://headstart.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/healthy-children-ready-learn.pdf)   ## What makes for a successful transition? When collaboration and connections are strong, transitions can be effective for children and families as they make the move to kindergarten. When these transitions are successful, children and families are more likely to experience better long-term school success.   ### [Children's Books About Kindergarten](https://sdstepahead.com/hubfs/Childrens%20Books%20about%20Kindergarten.pdf?hsLang=en) ### [Children's Books About Kindergarten](https://sdstepahead.com/hubfs/Childrens%20Books%20about%20Kindergarten%20-Spanish.pdf?hsLang=en) (Spanish)   ### For Parents **[Your Child is Going to Kindergarten: Making the Move Together](https://headstart.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/ttk-making-the-move-together.pdf)** **[Su hijo va a ingresar a kindergarten: Hagamos juntos el cambio](https://headstart.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/ttk-making-the-move-together-esp.pdf)**  **[Transition to Kindergarten: Activity Calendar for Families](https://headstart.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/transition-calendar-family.pdf)** **[Transición a Kindergarten: Calendario de actividades para las familias](https://headstart.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/transition-calendar-family-esp.pdf)**   ### For Educators **[Early Childhood Transitions: Supporting Children and Families](https://headstart.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/early-childhood-transitions.pdf)** **[Program Year Planning Calendar](https://headstart.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/education-managers-calendar-online.pdf)**  **[Transition to Kindergarten: Activity Calendar for Educators](https://headstart.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/transition-calendar.pdf)** **[Transición a kindergarten: Calendario de actividades para educadores](https://headstart.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/transition-calendar-esp.pdf)** **[Leadership Practices for Successful Transitions to Kindergarten](https://headstart.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/ttk-leadership-practices-sucessful.pdf)** **[Supporting Children Who Are Dual Language Learners Through Transition to Kindergarten](https://headstart.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/ttk-supporting-dll.pdf)**  **[Supporting Children with Individualized Education Programs (IEP's)](https://headstart.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/ttk-supporting-children-iep.pdf)** ![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Screenshots%20of%20links/Crosswalk%20Front%20Cover.png?width=253&height=196&name=Crosswalk%20Front%20Cover.png) #### Download the SDELG - SD Kindergarten Standards Crosswalk Ensure students experience consistency as they move from early learning to elementary learning. Create school readiness and build a foundation for later academic and social competence. Use to support precursor learning skills and/or recognize expectations of early childhood development. Use to support individualized curriculum activities, observations, and assessments. ![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Front%20Cover%20of%20updated%20ELOF%20Crosswalk.jpg?width=253&height=191&name=Front%20Cover%20of%20updated%20ELOF%20Crosswalk.jpg) #### Download the (HSELOF) Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework - SDELG - SD Kindergarten Standards Crosswalk Ensure students experience consistency as they move from *Head Start* to elementary learning. Create school readiness and build a foundation for later academic and social competence. Use to support precursor learning skills and/or recognize expectations of early childhood development. Use to support individualized curriculum activities, observations, and assessments that align with the *HSELOF*. ![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Screenshots%20of%20links/Calendar-Cover.png?width=253&height=192&name=Calendar-Cover.png) #### Download the Kindergarten Transition Activities Calendar Prepare your child for kindergarten with this Kindergarten Transition Calendar. This non-numbered calendar will provide simple activities that can be done at home, in the community, and wherever there are learning opportunities. [Download The Crosswalk Now](https://sdstepahead.com/hubfs/Updated%20Crosswalk%20-%20June%202026.pdf?hsLang=en) [Download the Head Start Crosswalk Now](https://sdstepahead.com/hubfs/2026%20Crosswalk%20HSELOF-K-ELG.pdf?hsLang=en) [Download The Calendar Now](https://sdstepahead.com/hubfs/2026%20Transition%20Calendar-1.pdf?hsLang=en) ![Cover of the South Dakota Early Learning Guidelines 2023 publication](https://sdstepahead.com/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Screenshot%202023-11-01%20102158.png "Cover of the South Dakota Early Learning Guidelines 2023 publication") #### Want it all in one place? Get your copy of the South Dakota Early Learning Guide. [Download Now](https://sdstepahead.com/hubfs/PDF%20Files/SDEarlyLearning-2024-web.pdf?hsLang=en) Back to Top [![Return to SD Step Ahead Supporting Early Learners](https://44290554.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na2.net/hub/44290554/hubfs/Home%20Page%20-%20Main/Logo/StepAhead-Logo-Stacked-White.png?width=250&name=StepAhead-Logo-Stacked-White.png)](https://sdstepahead.com/?hsLang=en)   Our mission is to promote healthy child development by educating, inspiring and assisting parents and caregivers. SD Step Ahead is a comprehensive early childhood initiative made possible by the South Dakota Department of Education. - [Find Services by County](https://sdstepahead.com/find-services) - [SD Head Start Collaboration Office](https://doe.sd.gov/headstart/) - [SD Department of Education](https://doe.sd.gov/) - [SD Professional Development](https://sdstepahead.com/hubfs/SD%20Early%20Childhood%20PD%20Opportunities%20(updated).pdf?hsLang=en) - [HeadStart.gov](https://headstart.gov/) © 2026 SD StepAhead | All Rights Reserved ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "Organization", "knowsLanguage" : "en", "name" : "", "url" : "https://sdstepahead.com/ages-stages/transition-to-kindergarten" } ```