Kindergarten Readiness & Transition

Being "ready" for kindergarten means arriving with the appropriate social, emotional, physical, and intellectual skills. Children need all four types of development to succeed in school, and to become caring, thinking, confident, and active adults. Visit the Kindergarten Readiness and Transition page for information and summer resources to ensure your child is ready to start kindergarten!

Mayor's Book Club

The Mayor's Book Club aims to support students' social-emotional and literacy development beyond the classroom. Each month, each preschool student will bring home a new book that supports early literacy and social-emotional learning skills. We hope these books will help build each student’s at-home library and provide opportunities for the entire family to share in their student’s literacy journey. Activities and ideas to support each month’s book will be shared on the Mayor's Book Club website.

Ready Rosie

ReadyRosie is an early education tool that helps families, schools, and communities across the nation deepen and scale their family engagement efforts. ReadyRosie is an evidence-informed and research-based family engagement and early learning resource. All ReadyRosie content is based on a foundation of research that has proven to have a positive impact on family behaviors and child outcomes.

FirstSpark

FirstSpark (formerly Smart Beginnings) is a coalition of parents, businesses, civic leaders, nonprofits, school systems, early childhood professionals and private citizens—all working together to ensure that every child on the Peninsula enters kindergarten prepared to achieve success in school and in life.

Readiness Checklist (en espanol)

Is your child ready for a successful school experience? Building a foundation in reading and math can set the stage for learning. Social-emotional skills also have a big impact on your child's readiness. Use this checklist to determine which things your child is able to do, and which he/she needs more time to develop.

Newport News Public Library

Visit your local library or visit the Newport News Public Library website to learn how your child can get their very own library card! The website has information about programs, books, and events.

Virginia Literacy Partnerships

The Virginia Literacy Partnerships office collaborates with Virginia school divisions and communities around reading and writing development, screening children, and providing evidence based instruction.