Children are capable of so much more than we usually expect.
Independence looks different depending on the age of a child, but every child can show independence. Here are some benchmarks of independence for those in our Early Childhood program (2.5-6 years old).
CARE FOR SELF
In an organized environment, preschool and kindergarten-age children can:
- help in making their lunch.
- brush their hair in the morning.
- dress themselves and put on their own jacket/coat.
- put on their socks and shoes. Even if they need help with tying, etc., they can make the effort.
- remember their backpack, jacket, lunch, work folder/binder, etc.
- carry their own belongings (backpack, lunch, snack, etc.) to class.
- walk into class from the morning car line by themselves.
- go to the bathroom independently as long as their clothes are not a hindrance.
- pour their beverages and serve themselves, clean up after themselves upon finishing eating.
- carry their plate to the kitchen after meals.
CARE FOR ENVIRONMENT
In an organized environment, preschool and kindergarten-age children can:
- help set the table.
- sort silverware after it has been washed.
- clean up spills; sweep floors.
- put away their toys.
- straighten their room.
- sort clean socks, fold towels, etc., on laundry day.
- have responsibilities in keeping the environment clean and tidy.
- help prepare veggies/fruit for meals at home.
- help plant flowers, weeded flower beds, water plants, etc.
INTERPERSONAL SKILLS
In an organized environment, preschool and kindergarten-age children can:
- show respect for others.
- wait patiently without interrupting conversations.
- use appropriate table manners.
- understand not to take or use things that belong to others without asking for permission.
- begin to solve problems with little or no interference from adults.
- feel empathy for others.
THE ROAD TO INDEPENDENCE IS NEVER EASY
For preschool and kindergarten-age children, it is OK:
- if your child complains about doing what he has been asked to do; stand your ground!
- if your child is crying or whining when she comes into class; just let her go and she will be fine. We will call you in the event that she does not settle down.
- if your child’s clothing is not perfectly matched. It shows that he has been given the opportunity to make his choice independently.
- if your child makes mistakes. It allows her to learn on her own.
- if your child’s hair is not perfectly coiffed and/or groomed.
- if your child spills when pouring, drops when carrying, or does not clean up “perfectly.”
- if your child misspells words and writes letters and/or numbers backwards.
- if your child forgets his backpack, lunch, folder, etc. on occasion. The natural consequences that occur may keep it from happening in the future.
- if your child temporarily misplaces an item.
- if you let your child try to solve her conflicts on her own before intervening.
- if your child is brought to school in their PJs if you have had a particularly difficult time that morning.
- if your child brings leftovers for lunch.
- if your child is not eager to do academic work when he gets home.
- if your child is assertive about her needs or feelings—this shows valuable self-awareness.
- if your child thrives under repetition; he relishes the ability to master a skill and use it.