Ask Kathy: Kindergarten Readiness Post-COVID

Thank you for your question. After graduating from college with a degree in elementary education, I spent 25 years working in a kindergarten classroom. It does not surprise me that kindergarten readiness has become an issue since the pandemic. However, COVID-19 played a significant role in school readiness as it worsened existing home challenges for young learners. 

Adding to the family stress, parents, who were working from home for the first time, were now responsible for the care of their children during the day. Many children did not have the opportunity to play and develop social-emotional skills, which impacted their behavior and future academic success. 

The pandemic was stressful for everyone, but it was particularly difficult for young children who already lacked a strong support system at home. Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) is a system for recognizing traumatic or stressful events that occur in childhood, such as domestic violence and addiction. Schools often take on some of the responsibility for preventing ACEs.  So, when early childhood education programs closed, it had negative consequences for children who already had problems at home (or ACEs). So, it makes sense that they are having difficulty in school now.

In New Hampshire, according to the U.S Department of Education’s most recent statistics on Early Intervention Services for children aged five and under who are eligible for IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) services, Early Intervention Services decreased by more than 2,000 children between 2019-2020 and 2020-2021, from 5,914 to 3,837. This is a result of centers closing at the height of the pandemic. However, Early Intervention Services increased in 2022-2023 by 16.73% to 4,479. This notable increase is still lower than in pre-pandemic years. 

This was a tough question to answer, particularly because I like definitive answers. Unfortunately, it will take years to understand the full impact of COVID-19; more research is necessary. Regardless of what the research says, early learning programs are essential for foundational learning. Around 90% of brain development occurs before kindergarten. Since kindergarten is not mandatory in New Hampshire, some parents may not realize the significance of foundational learning. Foundational education helps develop early language and literacy skills, problem-solving, and social skills such as listening and following directions.