Happy children with teacher at school.

Transitioning from Preschool to Kindergarten: How to Prepare

Ms. Danielle

Starting kindergarten is an exciting milestone for both you and your child — but it’s also a big step that can feel overwhelming without the right support. Understanding kindergarten readiness and how to nurture it during these preschool years can make all the difference in setting your child up for success.

Why Kindergarten Readiness Matters

The move from preschool to kindergarten brings new routines, more structured learning, and greater independence. Many parents worry whether their child is truly ready. If you’ve ever wondered if your child will thrive in kindergarten, you’re not alone.

Without proper kindergarten readiness, kids can feel anxious or struggle to adjust to the academic and social expectations of a more formal classroom setting. That’s why building strong foundations now is so important — it helps your child step into kindergarten feeling confident, capable, and excited to learn.

How to Build Kindergarten Readiness at Home

Supporting your child’s readiness for kindergarten isn’t just about learning ABCs and 123s. It’s about developing the whole child — socially, emotionally, physically, and cognitively. Here are a few ways you can help at home:

  • Encourage independence with simple tasks like dressing themselves, packing their backpack, or tidying up toys.
  • Read together every day and talk about stories to build early literacy skills and listening comprehension.
  • Play pretend games to boost creativity and social skills like sharing, taking turns, and problem-solving.
  • Practice fine motor skills through drawing, cutting with safety scissors, or playing with playdough.
  • Set up simple routines so your child knows what to expect and feels comfortable with transitions.

How Transitional Kindergarten Supports Your Child

At Truth Preschool Academy, our Transitional Kindergarten program is designed specifically for children ages 4–5 who need that extra bridge year between preschool and kindergarten. We focus on kindergarten readiness by nurturing independence, social confidence, and a love for learning.

Our teachers guide your child through developmentally appropriate activities that strengthen language, math, motor, and self-help skills. We also help your child build friendships, manage emotions, and adapt to structured routines — all essential parts of a smooth transition to kindergarten.

Ready to Help Your Child Thrive?

The transition from preschool to kindergarten doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right support, your child can grow into a curious, confident learner ready to take on new challenges.If you’d like to learn more about how our Transitional Kindergarten program can help your child feel fully prepared for kindergarten, we’d love to meet you. Reach out to Truth Preschool Academy today and let’s get started together.

Ms. Andrea

Hi, my name is Andrea and I assist with the Two and Three old class with Ms. Michelle and Ms. Claudia. I recently graduated from Chaffey College with an Associates of Early Childhood Education. I have worked with children for the past twenty years from ages three to eighteen years old working with a Tiny Tot Program and Teen Action Committee for The City of Ontario and working with Alta Loma School District after school program. I have found my love for preschoolers, and I am interested in pursuing my bachelor’s degree working with children with autism spectrum disorders.

Truth Preschool Academy has been a blessing to me to work with all your children daily.

Ms. Tanisha

Hi, my name is Tanisha, I am the teacher for the pre-kindergarten class. I have been teaching at Truth Preschool Academy for 4 years now. However, I have worked in a few centers for the past 20 years. I have worked with children aged two through four. Teaching children is an adventure. Some days I am the teacher and other days I am the student. My interests include meditation, cooking and reading which I often incorporate into my classroom setting.

Ms. Claudia

Hi, my name is Claudia, I am incredibly excited to be a part of the TPA team. I have been working at TPA for 3 years. I hope to inspire my class just like they inspire me every day. My native country is El Salvador, and my first language is Spanish. I am happily married and blessed with three wonderful children. I started working with children as a volunteer at different preschools, and since then I knew I wanted to be around children to help them grow. I grew up in LA where I attended school and took early child development classes to be able to work in this field.  I have been working with children ages 2-5 for about 17 years and I am still excited to work with them and help them grow in their own unique way.

Ms. Patty

Hi, my name is Patty and I have been a part of the TPA team for 2 ½ years now. I have worked  specifically in early childhood education for the last 6 years and have taught after school etiquette classes. I have also enjoyed being involved in many summer camp programs with children of all ages for the last 20 years. I truly love working with children and I am thankful for every opportunity I get to make an impact in each of my students’ lives. I have three children of my own and in our free time we love all things outdoors including hiking and pickle ball!

I believe every child has their own unique way of learning and that teaching is something that is done in all capacities throughout the day in both academic settings as well as through interactive play. I am so grateful to be able to love what I do and help make even a small difference in our future generation.

Ms. Michelle

Hi, my name is Michelle, I am very excited to be a part of Truth Preschool Academy as the Toddler Program teacher. I have a passion for nurturing young minds and helping them grow! I have 15 years of experience working with children of various age groups. My teaching approach is centered around play based learning, as children learn best when they are engaged in something of interest to them. My goal is to create a warm and loving environment for all children who enter our doors here at TPA. I am excited to be a part of your child’s academic journey.

Ms. Danielle

Hi, my name is Danielle, and I am pleased to be a part of Truth Preschool Academy as the Director. My top priority is ensuring that our philosophy is conveyed into our  everyday operations working with the children that walk through our doors. I am a huge believer in being a hands-on director  so at many times you will find me in a classroom working alongside our staff  or you may find me at my desk completing administrative work.  My interest in working with children began at an early age during my teen years. When I graduated high school, I immediately started my journey pursuing my degree in child development. I have been in the field for about 8 years now,  I started off with babysitting and soon after I began teaching at my first school as a three-year-old teacher. After leaving my hometown in Torrance, CA I began as an infant teacher and worked my way into the assistant director role which then led me to my director position here at Truth Preschool Academy. 

In my free time I love spending time with my family. I have a three-year-old son who loves to be active outside. We often go to new parks or experience new outdoor adventures. I look forward to working with you and your family here at TPA!

Ms. Kristy

Welcome to Truth Preschool Academy! My name is Kristy Rowell, and I am honored to serve as the Administrator here. From a young age, I have always had a special connection with children and a deep love for working with them, nurtured through my involvement in church activities like Sunday school and directing the children’s choir. Inspired by my passion for creating a safe and loving learning environment, I pursued the necessary certifications and coursework to start a preschool. In October 2019, after becoming licensed with the state of California, we proudly opened the doors of Truth Preschool Academy, a dream realized with the unwavering support of Truth Church of Southern California and Pastor Clifford Clark.

At Truth Preschool Academy, our mission is to foster a love for learning in every child. As the Administrator, I am dedicated to selecting only the most caring and qualified staff to ensure your child’s well-being and education are our top priorities. We understand there are many choices in early childhood education, but at TPA, you can rest assured that your child is in good hands. We can’t wait to meet you and your family and welcome you to our community!