Get Ready to Start School
School readiness, Kindergarten prep and early literacy – See program listings below
For children who have spent their toddler years in the care of a parent or family member at home, the transition to school is a big adjustment. For newcomer families the transition can be even more challenging if parents are dealing with settlement issues, if the family is socially isolated, or if the parents are unfamiliar with the Canadian school system.
School readiness and other early years programs can help with this transition by helping young children to develop independence, interact and socialize with other children and adults, familiarize themselves with classroom routines, and become comfortable with the school environment. Most programs also include a concurrent workshop component for parents.
After Kindergarten registration in February, parents should be encouraged to pay attention to any communication they receive from the school. Most schools host a Kindergarten information night, and many schools run an orientation day for families and children.
Programs – South
- Growing Up Healthy Downtown – Family Service Toronto and Partners
- Family Math, Scadding Court Community Centre, Downtown West Toronto
- Family Reading Together, Scadding Court CC, Downtown West Toronto
- Family Drop-In – Scadding Court CC, Downtown West Toronto
- School Readiness Program – Scadding Court CC, Downtown West Toronto
- Head Start School Readiness – Eastview Neighbourhood CC, Danforth South
- Family Drop In Program – Eastview Neighbourhood CC, Danforth South
- Kindergarten Readiness Program – West Neighbourhood House, Parkdale
- School Readiness and Family Resource Program – Regent Park CHC
- School Readiness Program – Thorncliffe Neighbourhood Office
- Ready for School Connects – East York East Toronto Family Services
Programs – West
- School Readiness and Preschool Program – Rexdale Women’s Centre (Kipling & Dixon)
- School Readiness Program – George Hull Centre (West Mall & Bloor)
- School Readiness Program – Hincks-Dellcrest Centre (Keele & Sheppard)
- Kindergarten Kids Program – Jane/Finch Centre (Jane Finch Mall)
- School Readiness Program – LAMP CHC Early Years Centre (Lakeshore & Islington)
- Early Years Programs – Black Creek Community Health Centre (Jane & Wilson)
Programs – Scarborough
- Readiness to Learn summer program – Agincourt Community Services Association (Sheppard & Midland)
- Readiness to Learn program – Malvern Family Resource Centre (various locations in northeast Scarborough)
- Kindergarten Kick Start program – Boys & Girls Club of East Scarborough (Lawrence & Morningside)
- School Readiness program – Boys & Girls Club of East Scarborough, Mornelle site (Morningside & Ellesmere)
Programs – Various locations
- Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY) – Working Women Community Centre
- KidsStop Early Literacy Centres – Toronto Public Library
- Ontario Early Years Centres (link to locations)
- Parenting and Family Literacy Centres (link to locations)
See also:
- When Your Child Attends Kindergarten for the First Time (online resource)
- Multilingual Tip Sheets for Parents: ‘Starting School’ (People for Education)
- How can I prepare my child for Kindergarten? (Ontario Ministry of Education)
- School Readiness online resources (Zero to Three)