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Kindergarten

Welcome to Bailey Elementary! We are thrilled to welcome your child and family to our kindergarten community. Starting kindergarten is an exciting milestone, and we are here to support you every step of the way.

This webpage is designed to assist families in the transition to kindergarten, providing key information about what to expect, important dates, and how to prepare. Please take time to explore the resources below to learn more about your child’s first year at Bailey Elementary. We look forward to an amazing year of learning and growth!

Kindergarten Information Night

Join us for Kindergarten Information Night to learn more about our program, meet our staff, and get a firsthand look at what your child will experience in kindergarten.

  • Save the Date! Tuesday, May 6, 2025 from 7-8 pm

This event is a great opportunity to ask questions, see the school, and connect with other kindergarten families. We can’t wait to meet you!

A Typical Kindergarten Day

A full day in kindergarten is filled with engaging, hands-on learning experiences designed to support academic, social, and emotional growth. A typical day may include:

  • Morning Meeting – A warm welcome and time to build community.
  • Literacy & Phonics  – Building foundational reading and writing skills.
  • Mathematics – Building foundational numeracy skills.
  • Science & Social Studies – Inquiry-based learning rooted in content.
  • Related Arts – Engaging with Music, Art, Physical Education, and the Media Center.
  • Lunch & Recess – Socializing and playtime for movement and fun.
  • Guided Play – Exploring through purposeful play and activities.
  • Afternoon Meeting & Dismissal – Reflecting on the day and preparing for home. 

Each school’s schedule may vary slightly, but all provide a well-rounded experience that nurtures the whole child.

Kindergarten Screening

All incoming kindergarteners participate in a screening process to help our teachers understand each child’s development and readiness for school.

  • Screenings take place during the summer assessment window: July 21 – August 1, 2025
  • Your child will participate in engaging activities to assess early literacy, math and fine motor skills.
  • This process helps our teachers tailor instruction to meet each child’s needs from day one.

More details, including how to schedule a screening appointment, will be shared as we get closer to the date.

Preparing for Kindergarten

Starting kindergarten is a big step! Here are a few ways you can help your child prepare:

  • Practice independence – Encourage children to dress themselves, open snack/lunch items and follow simple routines.
  • Build early literacy skills – Read together daily, practice letter recognition and encourage storytelling.
  • Develop number sense – Count objects, recognize numbers and explore patterns.
  • Foster social skills – Practice taking turns, sharing and following directions.
  • Encourage a love of learning – Make learning fun through play, exploration and curiosity!

For additional readiness tips, check out the Ohio Department of Education’s Kindergarten Readiness Checklist.

How to Enroll

We are excited to welcome your child! To begin the enrollment process, visit our Enrollment Page and completing the online registration. While there, review our Frequently Asked Questions to learn more about kindergarten at Dublin City Schools.

Stay Connected

Dublin City Schools communicates important updates through email, so be sure to check your inbox regularly! Our district-wide e-newsletter, Inside DCS, will begin arriving in your inbox this summer with key back-to-school details, including school supply lists, bus route information, and more. Families will also start receiving regular updates from their child’s school principal around the same time.

Plan ahead by reviewing next year’s important dates on our Calendar page.

Stay connected and see the amazing things happening across our district by following @dublinschools on Facebook and Instagram. To find our school's accounts, check out the Dublin City Schools Social Media page.

We’re excited for a great year ahead and look forward to staying connected with you!