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An age-by-age list of skills your child should have before starting preschool
Before preschool, most teachers want to see five independence skills: reliable toilet training, putting on shoes (even Velcro), feeding themselves with a spoon, helping clean up toys, and separating from a caregiver without prolonged distress. These don't have to be perfect — but partial mastery makes the first weeks far smoother. Practice each at home for two weeks before the start date.
Preschool teachers consistently rank social readiness above academic readiness. The big three are sharing a toy for short stretches, taking turns in a simple game, and asking an adult for help instead of melting down. Practise these on playdates and at the park — kids who can navigate other children thrive in group settings.
The academic checklist is shorter than parents fear: recognise 6–8 colours, count to 10 with one-to-one correspondence, recognise their own name in print, and hold a pencil with a thumb-and-finger grip. None of this requires worksheets — colour matching games, snack-time counting, and crayons on paper cover all four. Start 10 minutes a day, three months out.
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