One of the strictest requirements for many prekindergarten programs is potty training and self-care. The prekindergarten classroom operates on a looser schedule than many of the other grades in school; however, a teacher cannot spend all day helping young students use the bathroom, fasten their pants and tie their shoes. The teacher will not change diapers. While a teacher will help when needed, it is important for your preschooler to be as self-sufficient as possible before starting prekindergarten.
Some parents use prekindergarten as a way to introduce their child to the social aspect of life. This usually happens when one parent stays home and the child has never been in day care and has no siblings. A prekindergarten teacher can handle a child who lacks socialization, but it is best for your child to already be familiar with spending time with other kids. Arrange playdates for your child before starting the school year, and encourage him to share with others. Help him learn how to handle his emotions by talking through issues with him and role-playing various situations. These preparations will prevent blowups in the classroom and avoid a sense of not fitting in for your child.
Many of the activities in which children participate in prekindergarten require a solid grasp of gross and fine motor skills. Work with your child on gross motor skills, such as hopping, jumping and skipping. Make art projects with your child to help her develop her fine motor skills, such as cutting with scissors, coloring with crayons and picking up small objects. All of these skills are things she will use in her prekindergarten program and will make the transition easier if she already knows them.
It is completely normal for children of preschool age to be shy around strangers; however, your child must be able to express himself to succeed in a prekindergarten program. You may know when your child is thirsty or needs to use the restroom just by watching his cues, but the teacher does not know these cues. The teacher is also responsible for more than one child and can't watch them all at once. Your child must be comfortable expressing his needs, talking to an adult and listening when necessary. He must also know how to sit still when required.
Some parents rush to teach their children how to count, recognize letters, write their name and identify colors, thinking these skills are required for prekindergarten. The purpose of prekindergarten, however, is to prepare children for kindergarten and teach them skills to succeed in kindergarten. This purpose includes teaching letters and numbers. Therefore, while it can be beneficial for your child to already know how to count, identify letters and colors and write her name, it is not a requirement.