Transition to Kindergarten
You’re not alone on this journey.
Smart Start of New Hanover County is here to support you!
School Readiness
Smart Start of New Hanover County brings together families, early educators, health professionals, and community organizations to ensure every child enters school ready to succeed. Through collaborative efforts, we help prepare children for a strong, confident start in kindergarten. With early exposure to school routines and developmental skills, children feel confident, curious, and socially ready on their first days of kindergarten.
Whether you’re a parent wondering what skills your child needs, an educator supporting classroom transitions, or a service provider guiding families, we offer trusted tools and local connections to make the process easier. Our links below include kindergarten readiness information, key milestones, and information about how to register with New Hanover County Schools (Children must turn 5 on or before August 31 to enroll). You can also find information about NC Pre-K.
- What can I do to prepare my child for kindergarten?
- School Readiness by NAEYC
- Find registration details for New Hanover County Schools
Visit our Families page for free parenting support, childcare guidance, early literacy initiatives, activities, and resources to help your child thrive on day one and beyond.
Have questions? Call us at (910) 815‑3731 or email ciara.montgomery@newhanoverkids.org
Let’s make sure your child enters kindergarten ready to learn and ready to shine!
What Can I Do to Prepare My Child for Kindergarten?
Starting kindergarten is a big milestone—for your child and for you! As a parent or caregiver, there’s a lot you can do to make the transition smooth and exciting. Here are five simple ways to help your child get ready:
1. Build Routines at Home
Children thrive on structure. Establishing daily routines—like regular bedtimes, morning prep, and family mealtimes—helps kids feel secure and builds skills they’ll need in a classroom.
2. Talk and Listen Together
Every conversation helps your child learn new words and express feelings. Ask open-ended questions (“What was your favorite part of today?”), read books together, and describe what you’re doing during everyday tasks.
3. Practice Self-Help Skills
Encourage independence by teaching skills like putting on shoes, washing hands, and using the bathroom on their own. Learning to ask for help is just as important!
4. Play with Purpose
Play builds brains! Whether it’s building blocks, make-believe games, or drawing, play helps children develop motor skills, creativity, and problem-solving abilities. Try activities that involve taking turns and following directions.
5. Visit Your Child’s Future School
Most schools offer kindergarten orientation or school tours in the spring or summer. Meeting teachers, visiting classrooms, and seeing the school building can help reduce anxiety and boost confidence.
Kindergarten Registration Details
- Click here to find your child’s NHC school and registration information
- Click here to find the NHC school calendar
When registering your child for kindergarten, make sure you take the following items with you:
- Proof of parent/legal guardian’s residence in NHC (current residential property tax statement, residential deed, recent residential mortgage statement, current residential lease or rental agreement, and/or current utility bill)
- Certified birth certificate or other acceptable proof of age
- Up-to-date immunization record
- NC Health Assessment (first time a student enters a North Carolina public school)
- Parent/legal guardian photo ID (if available)
- Custody documentation (if applicable)
Pre-K Registration
Children who turn 3 and 4 years old on or before August 31st may be eligible for free early childhood education programs in New Hanover County. Pre-K Registration begins around February 1st! For more details click here.