The transition to preschool and kindergarten is an exciting time for children and families. Learn how to get ready for preschool and kindergarten: events, resources, and tips to help all children and families have a smooth and successful transition to school. 

Getting Ready in the Fall

Attend an enrollment information session.

Learn how to enroll in preschool and kindergarten by attending a virtual or in-person information session. If you miss the sessions, you can still watch the videos and look through the slideshows here.

Tips for Getting ready in the fall

  • Read aloud 15 minutes a day. Read to your child and have books available. Reading with your child in any language supports brain development and literacy.
  • Count objects from 1-10, such as fruit, napkins, or toys.

GETTING READY in the Winter

Explore our Schools

Parents and guardians are encouraged to attend a tour during the School Tours Events. Tours are an opportunity to learn more about individual schools and may inform your family's decision about which school is right for your child.

Enroll in prekindergarten or kindergarten. 

Enroll during the priority enrollment period to increase the chances your child will be able to attend your first choice school. Visit the SPS Preschool Enrollment page or Kindergarten Enrollment page to learn more.

Tips for Getting Ready in the winter

  • Practice self-help skills. Using the bathroom, getting dressed and eating are important skills to build independence at school. Self-help Skills to Get Ready for School: English, Spanish, Portuguese, Haitian Creole.
  • Make an appointment to visit the doctor and dentist before the first day of school.

GETTING READY in the SPRING

Explore our multilingual guide

Getting Ready For Kindergarten: A Family Guide to Support the Transition to School

Getting Ready for Kindergarten | Preparándonos para kindergarten! | Preparando-se para o Jardim de Infância! | Preparasyon ou Jadendanfan!

In this guide, you will find:

  • Key information about Somerville Public Schools kindergarten classrooms
  • The people who support your child’s educational journey
  • Ideas to help your child get ready for kindergarten
  • Ways to be active in supporting your child’s success
  • Somerville Public Schools contact information 

Front cover of preparing for school booklet

Attend the Getting Ready for Kindergarten workshop in May. 

This workshop is for families of children entering kindergarten in the fall. A Somerville Public School kindergarten teacher will share information about kindergarten and family liaisons will be able to answer school-specific questions. Watch a recording of the 2025 Getting Ready for Kindergarten Workshop.

Attend a Child Development Workshop

Tips for Getting Ready in the Spring

  • Build vocabulary. Talk about what you see around you. Ask your child what he/she is doing. How did you make that? What are you are building?    
  • Take your child to their new school's playground- a great way to get familiar with their new school.

GETTING READY in the SUMMER

Read a story with your child about their new school to help them get excited about their first day!

Attend a Summer Meet-Up

Meet other families at your school's summer meet-up (sometimes called a popsicle party). Reach out to your school's family liaison for details.

Attend the Get Ready for School Fair

Attend the Get Ready For School Fair in the summer. Start the new school year with fun and learning! Come talk with SPS staff, learn more about your school, discover activities and programs, and meet other families in Somerville. There will be book swaps, free backpacks, kid-friendly activities and more!

Attend kindergarten orientation

Meet your child's teacher before the first day of school.

Tips for Getting Ready in the summer

  • Help your child write his or her first name. Write it for them, have them trace over it with a finger or pencil. Trace the child's name with tracing paper. Post their name around the house so they can recognize it.
  • Get a library card to check out books, audiobooks and movies for free at the Somerville Public Library. All Somerville residents ages 5 and up can get a library card.

Reach out to the SFLC (Somerville Family Learning Collaborative), (617) 625-6600, or  your school’s Family Liaison with questions.