Resource
Book

These materials were developed under a grant awarded by the Michigan Department of Education.

What do I do with my Kindergarten Resource Book?

•	After reading the book, take a look at the list of necessary documents on page 3 and make sure you have all of them stored with this book. These are the papers you’ll be sharing with your school at kindergarten registration time. If something is missing, please talk to the staff at your child’s preschool.

•	Most importantly, take this book with you to kindergarten registration. Have the teacher make copies of the papers he/she needs from your originals. Keep your own copies with this book.

•	Keep your Kindergarten Resource Book in a safe place and use it throughout the year to store important information from your child’s school.
•	
Where Do I Register My Child for School?

Since Kent County is such a large area, knowing where to go to register your child for school can be very confusing!

If you don’t know what school your child will be attending for kindergarten, finding the answer is as simple as making a phone call.

Look in the back of this book and find the phone number for your school district. Call and tell them that you would like to find out what elementary school you are zoned for. You’ll need to give them your street address. Once you have the name and number of the school, you’re all set!

Tip:
Once you know your child’s new school information, write it down on the “Our School” page on page 11. It is also a good idea to keep a copy of this page by the telephone.

When Do I Register My Child for School?

Many schools hold kindergarten registration (sometimes called “Kindergarten Roundup”) in the early spring. But the schedule varies from one school district to another, so it’s best to call your school and find out when to come in and register.

The most important thing to remember is:

REGISTER YOUR CHILD FOR SCHOOL AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE!

The earlier you register, the more time you’ll have to prepare your child for the transition and the less stressful it will be when school starts in the fall.

What do I Bring to Kindergarten Registration?

Be sure to bring your Kindergarten Resource book filled with the following information:

•	Your child’s legal name

•	A county issued birth certificate. Most schools do not accept hospital issued birth certificates. To request a copy of a Kent County birth certificate or for more information about requesting a birth certificate from outside of Kent County, contact:

Kent County Clerk’s Office County Building
300 Monroe Ave. NW Grand Rapids, MI 49503 (616) 336-3550
www.accesskent.com
Use the web address above to request a birth certificate online.  Under “Featured Services” you access a drop down menu “I Want To…” Order a Birth Certificate.

•	Your child’s immunization record.

•	Proof of residency. Different school districts have different requirements on what to bring as proof as residency. Typically, this can be a driver’s license or state ID, utility bill, a buy-sell agreement, a rental agreement, property tax bill, etc. Do NOT bring a cell phone bill as proof of residency. If you bring a phone bill, it must be a landline. You might need to bring 2-3 items.

•	Record of any allergies your child may have.

•	Notarized guardianship papers, if necessary.

•	Information from the preschool your child attended. This could include screening results, health, developmental and special services information, etc.

All of the above items should be kept with your Kindergarten Resource Book so that you will be able to give them to your child’s new school at the time of registration. If you lose any required information, please contact your child’s preschool.

How Do My Child’s Preschool Records Get to the New School?

Families may be responsible for taking their children’s records to the new school.

When you leave preschool, you should be given copies of your child’s records. Keep them with this book so you’ll know right where records are when registration time comes.

If you have any questions about your child’s records, please call your child’s preschool or Kent ISD GSRP Intake at 616-447-2409.

Tip:
You probably already have all of the papers that are needed for kindergarten registration. Check the list in on page 3 and be sure to put all of the items together.

What About Full-Day Kindergarten?

School districts now offer full day kindergarten five days each week.

Full-day kindergarten is a great option for many children and their families. Some families might still prefer a half-day. It’s up to families to decide what is best for them.

Don’t wait to find out what options your school district offers. The sooner you do, the easier your transition into kindergarten will be!

Tip:
Whichever option you choose don’t forget to make child care and transportation plans for any days off and before/after school times.

A Child Going into Kindergarten:

Language

•	Knows how to whisper, speak softly, speak loudly, and shout.
•	Can tell you about his experiences, feelings, and opinions.
•	Can answer questions and give information about herself.
•	Learns poems, songs, and finger plays.
•	Can ask questions and ask for help.
•	Has a good vocabulary acquired by daily language and story experiences.
•	Can stay on the topic being discussed in a group situation.

Listening

•	Enjoys stories, poems, and music.
•	Listens attentively to a story for at least 5 minutes.
•	Can recall some detail of a story or video.
•	Uses and responds appropriately to positional words (“Look behind the tree”).
•	Can recognize sounds (household, animals, street, classroom, people, etc.)
•	Can tell the difference between high-low sounds and soft-loud sounds.

Academics

•	

Recognizes written first name.
•	Recites some rhymes and poems.
•	Sings simple songs.
•	Can “read” pictures.
•	Enjoys books and stories.
•	Knows that print is important.
•	Is becoming aware of the relationship of speech to reading and writing.
•	Recognizes letters, especially those in own name.
•	Counts to 20; counts 10 or more objects accurately.
•	Recognizes basic shapes.

Manners and Social Skills

•	Does not interrupt conversations, stories, and lessons.
•	Is aware that other children are important too.
•	Is learning the concept of fairness.
•	Is learning that rules are important for everyone’s safety.
•	Is learning that rules and expected behaviors might vary from place to place.
•	Is learning to take turns and share.
•	Says positive phrases like: “please”, “thank you”, “I’m sorry”, “Excuse me”, etc.
•	Takes care of personal belongings.
•	Knows it’s OK to make mistakes.
•	

Knows it is NOT OK to be mean and destructive.

Fine Motor Development

•	Has had many experiences using crayons, paints, clay, books, puzzles, beads, blocks, zippers, lacing activities, water, sand, markers, Legos, scissors, pencils, etc.

Health and Safety Habits

•	Covers mouth when coughing or sneezing.
•	Puts used tissues and paper towels in trash can.
•	Uses toilet independently and properly.
•	Washes hands after using toilet, before eating, and when they look dirty.
•	Does not put objects in mouth; knows sharp objects are dangerous and leaves them alone.
•	Walks, does not run indoors and on walkways.
•	Can wash face.
•	Can blow nose.
•	Tells an adult immediately when he/she or anyone else is bleeding.
•	Does not trade combs, hats, barrettes, etc.

Please note: This is NOT a checklist of things your child HAS to be able to do to get into kindergarten. Rather, this list is here to give you ideas of some skills that may help your child as he/she starts kindergarten.

Is My Child Ready for Kindergarten?

As preschool winds down, many families ask, “How do I know if my child is ready for kindergarten?” There is no magic formula to figure this out.

In the state of Michigan, the only requirement for starting kindergarten is that the child turns five on or before September 1 of that year. Children do not need to pass a test before entering kindergarten.

Five-year-old children can look very different from each other developmentally. They don’t all learn at the same pace. One child starting kindergarten might already know how to write her first and last name and may even be able to read a few words, while another may not. This does not mean that only one child is ready for kindergarten.

Kindergarten teachers do not expect all children starting school to know all of the same things. A good kindergarten classroom will be filled with materials that will invite children to learn, no matter what they already know.

If you are truly concerned about how your child is developing and learning, talk to the staff at your child’s preschool now. If there are developmental difficulties, there are many ways to help your child overcome them, but it is important to address them right away.

There are also many ways that you can support learning at home every day. On the next page you’ll find a list of pre-kindergarten activities to work on at home with your child. Have fun!

How Can I Support My Child’s Learning at Home?

Kindergarten Readiness Skills List:

You can help your child get ready for kindergarten by working with him/her on the following skills.

•	Naming basic colors:
Red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, pink, brown, gray, black, and white

•	Counting to 20 or 30 and maybe higher

•	Using a pencil and crayons to draw; using scissors to cut

•	Have the child color and tell the ‘story of the picture’

•	Writing at least the child’s first name. When teaching children to write their name, teach the first letter as a capital letter and the rest as lower case letters.

•	Sitting for a short period of time, like for an entire family meal

•	Practice tying shoes, buttoning, or zipping is great! Dressing independently is a goal.

•	Practicing the alphabet. Children do not need to know all of the letter names, but any practice is always helpful.

•	READ, READ, and READ with your child every day!

•	Naming and drawing basic shapes: 
Circle, square, triangle, rectangle, oval, diamond

What Else Can I Do to Help My Child Prepare for Kindergarten?

While academics are very important, there are other things to think about as well. Try a few of these ideas with your child:

•	Preschoolers need to understand that they won’t be in preschool forever. So toward the end of the preschool year, tell your child that preschool will be ending soon and (eventually) they will go to kindergarten. (Summer can seem like a long time to wait for kindergarten.)  You can help your child to make a thank you picture to give to the preschool teacher at the end of the school year.

•	Try to keep your child on a regular schedule during the summer so that picking up a new kindergarten routine won’t be as difficult in the fall.

•	Read books about starting school. The book list in this Resource Book is full of good ideas.

•	Give your child new responsibilities at home. If children see your confidence in their abilities, they’ll feel more confident to try new things in kindergarten.

•	It’s important for children to visit their new school, so once the office staff returns, give them a call and ask to visit. Look at the classroom, the playground, and the lunch room. Stop and say hello to the school secretary.

•	Call your child’s teacher during the first few weeks of school. Ask questions like, “What do you expect my child to learn this year?” and “What can I do at home to help my child?” Schools really appreciate involved parents!

•	Be positive in your conversations about school. Talk about the good experiences you had in school when you were a child. Be sure that your child gets the message that you value education and hard work.

•	Celebrate your child’s successes. Tell your child how proud you are that he is trying so hard and doing his best. Be sure your child knows that you have confidence in him!

Tip:
Little milk cartons or bottles like the 
ones at school aren’t easy for children 
to open. Buy a few for home and let 
your child practice to opening 
the milk independently.

Our Children.
Love Them.
Immunize Them.

To protect your children against 16 deadly diseases,
they need to have shots when they are this old:	
AGE RANGE	VACCINE	

Birth        	

Hep B (hepatitis B)	

2 Months	Hep B
DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis)
Hib (Haemophilus influenza type b)
PCV-13 (pneumococcal conjugate)
IPV (polio)   Rotavirus	
4 Months       	DTaP
Hib             PCV-13    
IPV             Rotavirus	

6 Months	Hep B 
DTaP
Hib             Rotavirus
PCV-13        IPV
Rotavirus	

12 – 15 Months	Hep A (hepatitis A) ~ 2 doses, 6 months apart
DTaP                     
Hib            PCV-13   Varicella (chicken pox)
MMR (measles, mumps, rubella)
Varicella (chicken pox)	

4 – 6 Years     	DTaP
MMR
  IPV
Varicella	

11 – 12 Years	Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis)
MCV4 (meningococcal conjugate)
HPV (human papillomavirus)	
16 – 18 Years	MCV4 (meningococcal conjugate)	
Every 10 Years	
Td (tetanus, diphtheria)	
6 Months – 18 Years	Influenza (flu) ~ Annually	
You should carry a copy of your children’s immunization records with you at all times.	
 Your School:

(School Name and Address)

(Phone Number)

School Hours:	to 	

                                                          
                                                                               
(Name of Teacher)

(Principal and/or Secretary) 

(My Child’s Bus Number)        

Important Telephone Numbers:

Name	Telephone Number:

Important Papers for My Child:

This is probably the most important section of your Kindergarten Resource Book! You will want to keep the following documents needed to register your child for kindergarten.

•	Original Birth Certificate

•	Immunization Record

•	Physical Examination Form

•	Proof of Residency (Such as a Mortgage Statement, Utility Bills, or property tax bill) See page 3 for additional information
•	Health Screen Forms Such as:

o	Dental Examination Form

o	Hearing Screening o	Speech Screening o	Vision Screening

And, if your child has special needs or received special services while in preschool, you will also want to include copies of your child’s…

•	Health Services Information (asthma, allergies, …)

•	Special Needs Information (IEPs, speech, reports, …)

If you find that something is missing, please contact the staff at your child’s preschool.

Don’t forget to take your Kindergarten Resource Book with you when you register your child at their new school!

Books About Starting
Kindergarten:

	Cleversticks by Bernard Ashley, illustrated by Derek Brazell (Dragonfly Books,
1995).

In his first week of school, a young boy watches other children master skills to the delight of the teachers. Young listeners will identify with the young boy as he tries to find something special he can do to show his new friends and to find a place in the group.	

	David Goes to School by David Shannon (Blue Sky Press, 1999).

The active boy David makes havoc at school. David manages to break every classroom rule! Find out what happens to mischievous David. Will he ever stop causing trouble?	

	First Day Jitters by Julie Daneberg, illustrated by Judith Dufour Love
(Charlesbridge Publishing, 2000).

There's a real surprise ending to this must‐read for any child who is feeling those "first day jitters." Older children as well as preschoolers will relate to this story. The surprise ending is guaranteed to put a smile on the face of any young child who is concerned about that all‐important first day.	

	Friends at School by Rochelle Bunnett, photography by Matt Brown (Star Bright
Books, 1995).

This wonderful book presents a typical day at school for eight youngsters. Full of bright photographs, the children, some with disabilities, are shown as active, competent members of the classroom community.	

	Grumpy Bird by Jeremy Tankard (Scholastic Press, 2007).

Everyone knows what it feels like to wake up on the wrong side of the bed. This adorable picture book follows a grumpy blue bird as he uses a few tools — talking, exercising, and playing with friends — to overcome his bad mood. Help your child face next fall's new school year with newfound confidence by reading Grumpy Bird this summer.	

	How Do Dinosaurs Go to School? by Jane Yolen, illustrated by Mark Teague (The
Blue Sky Press/Scholastic, 2007).

Large, bright‐colored dinosaur characters dwarf teachers and children as the author first speculates about how rebellious the dinosaurs might be and then tells how cooperative and well‐behaved they are. The simple text is accessible to young readers.	

	Kindergarten Rocks! by Katie Davis (Harcourt Children's Books, 2005).

Meet Dexter, a soon‐to‐be kindergartner! He's terrified and has thoughts of all kinds of reasons to be so. A must‐read to help relieve the anxiety all of us feel when starting school. Dexter finds out it's okay to be scared.	

	The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn (Child & Family Press, 1993).

The perfect story for parents to share with a child who may need reassurance about going to school. In this story, mother raccoon shares a secret with her son Chester. The secret eases Chester's fears as he heads off to school. This tender, loving story reminds us that no matter where we are, our parents always love us and we can carry them with us. Find out how as you read this endearing story.	

	Look Out, Kindergarten, Here I Come by Nancy Carlson (Harcourt Children's
Books, 2002).

Henry, a mouse, is all for "going" to kindergarten, but isn't quite sure if he really wants to stay! His apprehensions are quickly overcome when he finds a classroom full of friends and fun things to do. This book is written for younger children, pre‐K as well as K.	

	Wemberly Worried by Kevin Henkes (Greenwillow, 2000).

Wemberly the mouse worries about everything — especially the first day of school. Luckily she finds a friend, and soon her worries fade away.	

Look for these books at your local library!

A Parent’s Alphabet

A	
is for the Arms that hold and support.	

B	

is for the Books, a part of every home.

C	
is for the Children and the Caring and the Crying, which sometimes come together all at once.	
D	

   is for Doors you sometimes have to help your children open.	
E	
is for Everything you hope for them, and for Education, which takes place at least as much at home as in school.	
F	
is for Families, which provide the love and support that children need, and give them Freedom they must have to make it on their own.	
G	
is for Grandparents who can add tradition and wisdom to children’s lives, and for Growth, which parents and kids can experience together.	
H	
is for Home: a place where a child feels wanted and loved.	

I	

is for a child’s Interests, which we help them pursue.	

J	
is for the Joy that we share in our relationships. 	
K	
is for Kick ball, tag, hide-and-seek and all of those other games kids need to play, and for Kissing and hugging with family.	
L	

is Love, of course.	

M	
is for the Memory all parents have of their childhoods, and for the Memories they will make with their own children.	
N	

is for Nurturing: the giving of love and care.	

O	is for Openness between children and parents.

P	is for Patience and for Presence, the best gifts to give.

Q	is for Questions, which are many each day.

R	is for Rest, which never seems to come while the children are young, and for the Reward you receive when you look into their faces or hold their hands.

S	is for Summer fun, for School days, and for the Stories you know and tell to your children. 

T	is for Time, which there never seems to be enough of, and for Teachers who try to understand.

U	is for the Understanding you have when your child is tired or sad.

V	is for the Virtue of overcoming all of the roadblocks that turn up when life seems to be going well.

W	is for the Whys, which can drive you up the Wall, and the Wisdom it takes to answer them.

X	is for the X-Ray of the broken bone that may happen, and for the eXtra love it takes to be a parent.

Y	

is for being Young, which is only a matter of years.

Z	is for the end – the end of early childhood, but never the end of love.

(Adapted form a poem by Carol Hurst)
Confident Children are More Likely to Succeed in School

Confidence is one of the most important characteristics you can instill in your child. Confident children believe they are lovable and capable, and this makes them more likely to succeed.

Here are some keys to building confidence:

Love unconditionally. Children need to know they are loved no matter what. Tell your child you love her every day. And when she misbehaves, make it clear that it is her behavior you dislike – not her.

Encourage risk taking. Allow your child to take safe risks, such as trying a new skill or meeting friends. She may fail sometimes, but each try will be a learning experience.

Show pride. Encourage your child in many ways. Give comments about the things you see your child doing.  For example, “I noticed you hung up your coat.”  Display his artwork and mention his accomplishments in front of others. Avoid praise that exaggerates, such as “You’re the best runner ever!”  Instead you can say, “You are getting faster!”

Listen well. Talk with your child often and pay close attention to what he says. Try to respond without being judgmental. Rephrasing your child’s words is one way to do this. For example, “I know you’re sad that Jeremy is moving.”

Encourage self-discipline. Choose rules and responsibilities your child can understand and handle. When she make a mistakes, let her learn from them. If she doesn’t put her dress in the hamper, it won’t get washed.

Admit your weaknesses. Tell your child that no one is perfect, including you. Apologizing for your mistakes will teach your child that it’s important to forgive others.

Kent County School Districts

BYRON CENTER PUBLIC SCHOOLS
8542 Byron Center Avenue, Byron Center, MI 49315
www.bcpsk12.net
(616) 878-6100

CALEDONIA COMMUNITY SCHOOLS
9753 Duncan Lake Avenue, 
Caledonia, MI 49316
www.calschools.org
(616) 891-8185

CEDAR SPRINGS PUBLIC SCHOOLS
204 E. Muskegon Street, Cedar Springs, MI 49319
www.csredhawks.org
 (616) 696-1204

COMSTOCK PARK PUBLIC SCHOOLS
101 School Street NE, Comstock Park, MI 49321
www.cppschools.com
(616) 254-5001

EAST GRAND RAPIDS PUBLIC SCHOOLS
2915 Hall Street SE,
East Grand Rapids, MI 49506
www.egrps.org
(616) 235-3535

FOREST HILLS PUBLIC SCHOOLS
6590 Cascade Road SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546
www.fhps.net
(616) 493-8800

GODFREY LEE PUBLIC SCHOOLS
1324 Burton Street SE, Wyoming, MI 49509
www.godfrey-lee.org
(616) 241-4722

GODWIN HEIGHTS PUBLIC SCHOOLS
15 – 36th Street SW,
Wyoming, MI 49548
www.godwinschools.org
(616) 252-2090

GRAND RAPIDS PUBLIC SCHOOLS
1331 Franklin Street SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49501
www.grps.org
(616) 819-2000

GRANDVILLE PUBLIC SCHOOLS
3839 Prairie Street SW, Grandville, MI 49418
 www.grandville.k12.mi.us
(616) 254-6550

KELLOGGSVILLE PUBLIC SCHOOLS
242 – 52nd Street SE,
Grand Rapids, MI 49548
www.kvilleps.org
(616) 538-7460

KENOWA HILLS PUBLIC SCHOOLS
2325 Four Mile Road NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49544
www.khps.org
(616) 784-2511

KENT CITY COMMUNITY SCHOOLS
200 N. Clover Street, Kent City, MI 49330
www.kentcityschools.org
 (616) 678-7714

KENTWOOD PUBLIC SCHOOLS
5820 Eastern Avenue SE, Kentwood, MI 49508
www.kentwoodps.org
(616) 455-4400

LOWELL AREA SCHOOLS
300 High Street,
Lowell, MI 49331
www.lowellschools.com
(616) 987-2500

NORTHVIEW PUBLIC SCHOOLS
4365 Hunsburger NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525
www.nvps.net
(616) 363-6861

ROCKFORD PUBLIC SCHOOLS
350 N. Main Street, Rockford, MI 49341
www.rockfordschools.org
(616) 863-6320

SPARTA AREA SCHOOLS
465 S. Union Street, 
Sparta, MI 49345
www.spartaschools.org
(616) 887-8253

THORNAPPLE KELLOGG SCHOOLS
10051 Green Lake Road, Middleville, MI 49333
www.tkschools.org
(269) 795-3313

WYOMING PUBLIC SCHOOLS
3575 Gladiola SW,
Wyoming, MI 49509
www.wyomingps.org
(616) 530-7550

Kent County Charter Schools with Kindergartens

WILLIAM C. ABNEY ACADEMY
Located within Grand Rapids Public Schools
1435 E. Fulton,
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
www.thewcaa.org
(616) 454-5541

CHANDLER WOODS CHARTER ACADEMY
Located within Comstock Park Public Schools
6895 Samrick Avenue,
Belmont, MI 49306
chandlerwoods.heritageacademies.com
(616) 866-6000

CROSS CREEK CHARTER ACADEMY
Located within Caledonia Community Schools
7701 Kalamazoo SE, Byron Center, MI 49315
crosscreek.heritageacademies.com
(616) 656-4000

CREATIVE TECHNOLOGIES ACADEMY
350 Pine Street, 
Cedar Springs, MI 49319
http://ctaschool.com
(616) 696-4905

EXCEL CHARTER ACADEMY
Located within Kentwood Public Schools
4201 Breton Road SE, Grand Rapids 49512
excel.heritageacademies.com
(616) 281-9339

GRAND RAPIDS CHILD DISCOVERY CENTER
Located within Grand Rapids Public Schools
409 Lafayette Avenue SE,
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
www.childdiscoverycenter.org
(616) 459-0330

KNAPP CHARTER ACADEMY
Located within Forest Hills Public Schools
1759 Leffingwell NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525
knapp.heritageacademies.com 
(616) 364-1100

BYRON CENTER CHARTER SCHOOL
Located within Byron Center Public Schools
9930 Burlingame Avenue, SW Byron Center, MI 49315 
(616) 878-4852

NEW BRANCHES CHARTER ACADEMY
Located within Grand Rapids Public Schools
3662 Poinsettia Avenue,
Grand Rapids, MI 49508
www.newbranches.org
(616) 243-6221

VISTA ACADEMY
Located within Godwin Heights       Public Schools
711- 32nd Street SE,
Grand Rapids, MI 49548
http://vistacharteracademy.org
(616) 246-6920

RIDGE PARK CHARTER ACADEMY
Located within Forest Hills Public Schools
4120 Camelot Ridge Drive, Grand Rapids, MI 49546
ridgepark.heritageacademies.com
(616) 222-0093

VANGUARD ACADEMY
Located within Wyoming Public Schools
1620 - 52nd Street SW,
Wyoming, MI 49509
vanguard.heritageacademies.com
(616) 538-3630

WALKER CHARTER ACADEMY
Located within Kenowa Hills Public Schools
1801 Three Mile Road NW, Walker, MI 49544
walker.heritageacademies.com
(616) 785-2700
WEST MICHIGAN ACADEMY OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
Located within Kenowa Hills Public Schools
4463 Leonard NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49534
www.wma-es.com
(616) 791-7454

GRAND RAPIDS ELLINGTON ACADAMY OF ARTS AND TECHNOLOGY 
600 Burton Street SE,
Grand Rapids, MI 49507
http://www.greaat.com
(616) 241-6300

HOPE ACADEMY OF WEST MICHIGAN
240 Brown Street SE,
Grand Rapids, MI
49507
http://hopeacademywm.org
(616) 301-8458

RIDGE PARK CHARTER ACADEMY
4120 Camelot Ridge Drive SE,
Grand Rapids, MI 49546
ridgepark.org
(616) 222-0093

RIVER CITY SCHOLARS CHARTER ACADEMY
944 Evergreen Street,
Grand Rapids, MI 49507
rivercityscholars.org

Charter schools are free, public
schools that are run outside of the traditional public school setting. They are a good option for some families.

(616) 248-3390