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About Countdown to Kindergarten:

The Countdown to Kindergarten (C2K) program provides opportunities for children to practice vital Kindergarten readiness skills through learning activities. This is a free program provided by the °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²ÊÀúÊ·¼Ç¼. At each C2K event, learning activities are provided for children from 3-5 years of age. The event begins with a short song and story, then the learning activities are open for play! The whole family is welcome to join!

At each event, there is a staff member from the Anchorage Public Library as well as the Countdown to Kindergarten staff who are available at the activity stations and are happy to answer any and all questions about Kindergarten!

If you have any questions about Kindergarten or the upcoming events, email Ariel Mangelsdorf at mangelsdorf_ariel@asdk12.org.

SEE BELOW FOR 2024-25 SCHEDULE AND RESOURCES

Materials:

2. 10 Ways to Get Ready for Kindergarten Handout
3. Check out our Countdown to Kindergarten Event Resources tab (on the left) for fun at-home learning activities!

2024-25 Countdown to Kindergarten

Event Schedule

Upcoming Play to Learn Playgroups:

Kindergarten Readiness Playgroup (ages 4/5)

The Play to Learn Playgroup program is excited to offer two cohorts a week this fall!

Who is it for? 

This program is for families with preschool-aged children (ages 4/5) who are entering kindergarten for the 2025-26 school year.

Children enrolled in these cohorts must be 4 years old on or before 9/1/2024.

What is it?

A caregiver accompanies their child to a preschool classroom equipped with an early-childhood educator and a family coordinator. The caregiver enjoys a chance to connect with other adults while learning about child development. During this time, the children are learning and playing together with their teacher. Siblings are welcome!

When is it?

Playgroups will be two days a week (Monday/Tuesday or Thursday/Friday depending on cohort)

8:45 am-10:15 am at Denali Montessori Elementary School.

Dates of the program:

Quarter 1 Dates

A) Monday and Tuesday Cohort (8/26, 8/27, 9/3, 9/9, 9/10, 9/16, 9/17, 9/23, 9/24, 9/30, 10/1, 10/7,10/8)

OR

B) Thursday and Friday Cohort (8/29, 8/30, 9/5, 9/6, 9/12, 9/13, 9/19, 9/20, 9/26, 9/27, 10/3, 10/4)

Quarter 2 Dates

A) Monday and Tuesday Cohort (10/15, 10/21, 10/22, 10/28, 10/29, 11/4, 11/5, 11/12, 11/18, 11/19, 11/25, 11/26)

OR

B) Thursday and Friday Cohort (10/10, 10/11, 10/17, 10/24, 10/31, 11/1, 11/7, 11/8, 11/14, 11/15, 11/21, 11/22)

To fill out a request for a 2024-25 playgroup spot, Click

Young Waldorf Wednesdays (ages 3-4)

The Play to Learn Playgroup program is sponsoring its first Waldorf-focused playgroup starting in October!

Who is it for? 

This program is for families with young children who are ages 3-4 and starting kindergarten in 2026-2027.

Children enrolled in the Waldorf playgroup must be 3 years old on or before 9/1/2024.

What is it?

A caregiver accompanies their child to a preschool classroom equipped with a Waldorf teacher and family coordinator. The caregiver enjoys a chance to connect with other adults while learning about child development. During this time, children are learning and playing with their teacher. Siblings are welcome!

When is it?

Waldorf Playgroups will be held on Wednesdays from 

9:00 am-11:00 am at Denali Montessori Elementary School.

Dates of the program:

10/16, 10/23, 10/30, 11/6, 11/13, 11/20, 11/27, 12/4

To fill out a request for a Young Waldorf Wednesday playgroup spot, Click

For more information about Countdown to Kindergarten, contact:

Ariel Mangelsdorf, mangelsdorf_ariel@asdk12.org

March: Decide on Your Child's School

Parents interested in having their child attend their neighborhood school do not need to sign up until school registration, held during the last week of July. Parents interested in having their child attend a school other than the neighborhood school must complete an online lottery application.

April: Attend Kindergarten Round-Up at Schools

All schools will host a Kindergarten Round-Up for families in the spring. Come meet the school principal, staff, kindergarten teachers, and other families. Learn about school routines, expectations, and curriculum. Visit classrooms and tour the school. Check the °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²ÊÀúÊ·¼Ç¼ website in late March for specific dates and times for all Kindergarten Round-Ups.

May-June: Explore Kindergarten Resources

Visit your child’s school playground over the summer so your child becomes familiar with the school site. Check out fun summer programs and activities in Anchorage for children. Think about what would be best for your child and family as you make this transition.  

July-August: Get Ready for School

Visit Welcome to the °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²ÊÀúÊ·¼Ç¼ page for current information on enrollment, registration, school start times, bus routes, and important school updates. You can also download the °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²ÊÀúÊ·¼Ç¼ mobile app to stay up to date. After enrollment look for information on Fall Kindergarten Orientation.

BLAST OFF!
Welcome to Kindergarten

print version of this information available here