Kindergarten is a big milestone, and being ready can set the stage for long-term success. Countdown to Kindergarten, a statewide initiative developed by South Carolina First Steps, supports rising kindergarteners and their families through a series of six weekly one-on-one visits with their future teacher before school begins.  

Each session focuses on a different area of development—math, language, or fine motor skills—and comes with guided activities and materials that families can keep. But the real strength of the program is bringing teachers, children, and parents together in the learning process.  

“That’s the beauty of it,” said Stephanie Jones, a Countdown to Kindergarten teacher at Wateree Elementary in Kershaw County. “It’s a great opportunity to show parents how to interact with their child and how to best support them in their transition to kindergarten.” 

One memorable story stands out to Stephanie. A young boy arrived for his 4K testing too nervous to let go of his mother’s leg. Recognizing he needed extra support, Stephanie encouraged his family to join the program.  

At first, he stayed close to his mom, but by the third session, he began to open up. By the fifth, he was confidently waving goodbye and excited about school.  

“It was just amazing to see his growth,” Stephanie said. “In the beginning we thought, oh, he’s going to have a rough day when he’s dropped off—but he did great. He even helped me show the other children around the classroom. Mom was so happy she started crying.”  

His confidence didn’t stop at the school doors. A few weeks later, his mother called with exciting news: they had attended a birthday party where her son, once shy and withdrawn, played happily with other children on his own.  

“Every parent I’ve ever talked to, if I’ve worked with their child or their child has gone through the program, they just can’t say enough about the positivity of the program,” Stephanie said.  

Beyond academic readiness, Countdown to Kindergarten gives parents a safe space to share important information about their child, details that might not come up during a typical school year. “I’ve had parents sit down with me during a session while their child is playing and share something personal, maybe a situation at home or a concern they want me to be aware of,” she said. “Normally, at the start of school, parents don’t know the teacher well enough to open up like that.”  

The final visit offers families a special preview of what the first day of school will look like, helping them practice a typical daily routine and get more familiar with their surroundings.  

“The sixth visit is usually a tour of the classroom. I’ve done this almost every year—we open a milk carton, pretend to have snack time, find their cubby,” Stephanie said. “It’s a chance to get comfortable in a smaller, calmer setting. At open house or meet-the-teacher night, everything’s more crowded and fast-paced.”  

Through Countdown to Kindergarten, Stephanie has seen firsthand how meaningful early connection and preparation can be, not just for children, but for entire families. Even after the program ends, Stephanie encourages families to take simple steps at home to prepare their child for the first day of school.   

“Have everything ready the night before, and make sure your child gets a good night’s sleep,” she said. “There are lots of great books about starting school. Reading together and talking about what to expect can really help.”  

The night before school can be a special moment, for both children and their families. Stephanie encourages families to find ways to make it exciting, such as going through their child’s backpack and talking about their school supplies.  

“Kids love that part, and so do I, even as a teacher!” she laughed. “And remember to talk about the day ahead and ask what they’re excited for. Then, when they come home, follow up—did they make a new friend? Did they have center time? Those little conversations help make the transition easier and more meaningful.”  

She also suggests helping children express and process their feelings and let them know that their feelings are normal. “Tell that it’s okay to miss mom or dad,” she said. “I encourage families to send a photo, or I’ll take one at open house. I keep them on a board in the classroom so children can see their family during the day.”  

Transitioning to kindergarten is about more than “getting ready for school.” It’s building trust, easing fears, and strengthening the bond between home and school. Whether it’s helping a shy child find their voice, or guiding parents through those emotional first steps, Countdown to Kindergarten lays the foundation for a strong start.  

Learn more about Countdown to Kindergarten. 

Topics: School Transition