Kindergarten readiness-Kindergartens do not have specific requirements but general guidelines that follow early development: 1. self-help--handles bathroom needs, can separate from parents, basic emotions and self-control; 2. understandable communication; 3. social skills--comfortable in peer groups, can share & take turns; 4. basic motor skills, 5. pre-academic--early counting, shapes, same-diff, some letters, etc. Can your child sing a simple song and listen to a short story?
Most people consider readiness as the pre-academics but the independent social and emotional skills are a key to being able to cope with kindergarten.
(My name is Barbara Allisen and I'm a kindergarten teacher, have a book about readiness, and a website (123kindergartendotc om). My site has a longer Developmental Checklist and daily learning idea blog for parents and caregivers.)
Kindergarten programs welcome kids where they are developmentally but readiness can make the whole experience so much more positive. Thank you for your concern--the early years are so important!