Countdown to Kindergarten
(617) 635-6816
Countdown to Kindergarten engages families, educators and the community in a citywide effort to enhance early learning opportunities and to support the transition into kindergarten. Mayor Menino, the Boston School Committee and Superintendent Johnson partner with 28 local organizations to implement a school readiness campaign that helps families participate actively in their children's education right from the start, understand the value of kindergarten, and learn how to choose schools and then register in the Boston Public Schools (BPS). In Boston, our work has promoted teacher collaboration on school readiness issues; doubled the percent of families visiting schools to make informed registration decisions; and increased the percentage of children who enter BPS at kindergarten rather than first grade. It has also resulted in more schools being ready to engage families.
Location
ABCD, BOSTNET, Boston After School and Beyond, Boston Centers for Youth and Families, Boston Children's Museum, Boston Community Partnerships for Children, Boston Connects, Boston Main Streets, Boston Medical Center, Boston Parents Organizing Network, Boston Partners in Education, Boston Public Health Commission, Boston Public Library, Boston Teachers Union, Child Care Choices of Boston, Children's Hospital Boston, Cradles to Crayons, Families First Parenting Programs, Family Nurturing Center, Generations Inc., Health Care for All, Jumpstart, MA Dept. of Early Education Mayor’s Office of New Bostonians, Neighborhood Health Plan, ReadBoston, Smart from the Start, Thrive in 5, United Way of Massachusetts Bay, Urban Pride, WGBH Educational Foundation, Y/BPS
Families should start preparing for Kindergarten (K1 for 4 year old and K2 for 5 year old) a full year in advance of their start date, which is the September before their child turns 4 or 5. For a few families, it may start sooner. Boston Public Schools (BPS) has a number of a very limited number of seats for K0 programs for children who are 3 by September 1. There are 75 Early Learning Centers, Elementary and K-8 schools in the City of Boston. Families can choose from a number of schools that are located in their ZONE.
Attend a Countdown to Kindergarten Information Session for answers to all your questions about BPS schools, the registration process and more. Starting in November, Information Sessions provide tips on the transition and kindergarten selection/enrollment process, along with suggested activities to help families prepare for a successful entry into kindergarten.
Information Sessions, School Preview/Welcome Sessions, "Play to Learn" Playgroups, Special Events, resources and materials.
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- Community Based / Non-Profit
- Ashmont T Station
- Children
- Countdown to Kindergarten
- Education
- Families
- Fields Corner T Station
- French/Haitian Creole
- Parenting Support/Skills Training
- Spanish
- Education
- Parenting Support/Skills Training
- Greater Boston Area
- All Dorchester
- Bus Route 22
- Bus Route 23
- Ashmont T Station
- Fields Corner T Station
- Children ages 0-5
- Adults
- Families
- English
- French/Haitian Creole
- Spanish
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