Preparing Your Child Who is Blind or Low Vision for Kindergarten

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Kindergarten is just around the corner. What an exciting milestone! As your child’s independence grows, a little extra preparation can make that first day a lot smoother. With your guidance and a strong educational team, your child can step into kindergarten with confidence and the skills they need to thrive. 

Working with Your Child’s Educational Team 

Every child’s journey is unique. Your Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments (TVI), Orientation & Mobility (O&M) instructor, therapists, and regular education teachers form a team to support your child’s educational goals that include both academic and the Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC) goals. Together, you’ll customize interventions in areas like communication, mobility, self-care, and concept development. 

Key action steps: 

  • Review goals regularly and request updates as your child masters skills. 
  • Understand the format in which communication will be provided based on your child’s progress.  
  • Consider adding a peer mentor or “buddy system” so your child has a classmate to guide them during transitions. 

Essential School-Readiness Skills 

Getting your child ready for kindergarten doesn’t mean mastering every skill at once. It’s about building a strong foundation in key areas. Focus on communication, self-care, name recognition, attention span, and orientation skills. Start small: practice opening their lunchbox one meal at a time, read aloud for just five minutes and add a minute each day, label one personal item in braille or large print, and role-play a simple greeting. Over time, these bite-size steps accumulate into significant gains, helping your child feel confident and capable on day one. 

Communication 

  • Teach polite requests for the classroom, lunchroom, and other settings: “May I have help, please?” 
  • Model and wait for your child to ask for support, building self-advocacy. 
  • Consider alternative communications such as communication board, AAC devices, or other methods your child can use to communicate their needs and wants. 

Meal and Snack Independence 

  • Practice opening lunchboxes, containers, and drink cartons at home. 
  • Role-play school-style meals using a timer to mimic lunch periods. 
  • Create a “lunch passport” checklist (with tactile stickers) for independent opening of containers and packaged food. 

Name Recognition in Braille/Print 

  • Label items: desks, cubbies, folders with braille and large-print name tags. 
  • Expose your child to their name through puzzles and matching games. 
  • Attach a unique textured sticker next to their name in class to aid quick identification. 

Self-Care Skills 

  • Break tasks (dressing, handwashing, toileting) into small steps and practice. 
  • Encourage your child to assist with dressing and grooming, even if they aren’t fully independent yet. 
  • Consider laying clothing out the day before or for the week to help mornings run smoothly. 
  • Aim for your child to complete some of their self-care routines independently by kindergarten. 

Increasing Attention Span 

  • Read aloud for short bursts, gradually extending listening time. 
  • Provide quiet sensory tools, like stress balls or fidget pads, to keep hands busy during stories. 
  • Use an audio timer such as Alexa or iPhone to help them increase their attention to a task such as coloring, reading, or imaginative play. 

Navigating the Transition to Kinder Meeting 

A transition to kindergarten meeting brings together parents, preschool teachers, TVI, O&M, and therapists to shape the Kindergarten IEP. 

Prepare by: 

  • Reviewing current IEP goals and identifying what worked well. 
  • Collecting new assessments (low-vision evals, O&M reports, therapy updates). 
  • Sharing your child’s strengths and interests: What do they enjoy, where do they need additional support at home? 
  • Drafting questions on: 
  • Assistive technology and materials in the classroom 
  • Accessibility of special classes (PE, art, music) 
  • Social support: circle times, playground games, and inclusive activities 
  • School-wide training for staff on your child’s needs 

Gathering Information and School Visits 

  • Explore school websites for curriculum details, maps, and support services. 
  • Tour preschool and kindergarten settings. Be sure to observe lighting, furniture layout, acoustics, and tactile cues. 
  • Connect with the PTA or parent support groups for insider tips and playdate arrangements. 
  • Attend open houses or meet-the-teacher events.  

Five Ways to Prepare for the First Day 

  1. Adjust Daily Routines Gradually 
  • Shift bedtime and wake-up times to match the school schedule. 
  • Practice morning routines with a gentle timer; be sure to include your child in what they prefer to keep track of their time. 
  1. Build Independence Skills 
  • Practice getting dressed, using the bathroom, and packing lunch at home. 
  • Celebrate each achievement, no matter how small. 
  1. Visit Classrooms and Meet the Teacher 
  • Arrange a “meet and greet” or a mini-orientation session. 
  • Explore the playground and sensory corners. 
  1. Foster Early Friendships 
  • Set up playdates with future classmates. 
  • Encourage cooperative games that mirror classroom activities. 
  1. Read Kindergarten Storybooks 
  • Choose titles that depict a variety of students and settings. 
  • Discuss school routines, new faces, and first-day jitters. 
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