Is My Child Ready for Preschool? A Gilbert Parent’s Guide
Starting preschool is a major milestone—for both children and parents. If you're a Gilbert parent wondering whether your child is ready for this next big step, you're not alone. At Hillstone Academy Preschool, we work with families every day who are asking the same question: “How do I know if it’s the right time?”
In this blog, we’ll walk you through key developmental signs, emotional readiness cues, and tips to help ease the transition for your child.
Why Preschool Readiness Matters
Preschool is more than a place to play—it’s a structured, nurturing environment designed to support your child’s growth across multiple domains:
Language and communication
Social-emotional skills
Motor development
Early academic exposure
Our Programs at Hillstone Academy Preschool start at 2.5 years old, with age-appropriate goals and support for every child.
Signs Your Child May Be Ready for Preschool
Every child is different, but here are some common indicators that your little one might be prepared to begin preschool:
✅ Separates from parents with increasing ease
✅ Can follow simple instructions and routines
✅ Shows curiosity and interest in new experiences
✅ Interacts with other children
✅ Begins expressing needs through words
✅ Demonstrates basic self-care skills (e.g., hand washing, feeding self)
Even if your child isn’t showing all of these signs yet, that doesn’t mean they’re not ready. Our Mini’s Program is designed to gently introduce school routines in a loving environment.
Helping Your Child Get Ready
If you’re planning for preschool, there are a few ways to support your child in the weeks and months ahead:
Talk about school often in positive, age-appropriate ways
Visit the classroom or tour the school together (Schedule a Tour)
Practice short separations to help build comfort being away
Establish routines at home for mornings, meals, and bedtime
Encourage independent play and letting your child solve small problems
Our teachers at Hillstone partner with parents to support each child’s smooth and joyful transition.
Emotional Readiness Is Just as Important
It’s natural for children to feel a mix of excitement and anxiety when starting something new. At Hillstone Academy Preschool, our educators are trained to support emotional growth and resilience:
Children are welcomed with warmth and consistency
Social-emotional learning is part of every day
Group activities foster teamwork and empathy
By supporting both the emotional and academic side of development, we ensure your child thrives from the very beginning.
Why Hillstone Academy Preschool Is the Right First Step
Our preschool in Gilbert provides a safe, encouraging space where young learners grow at their own pace. With small class sizes, nurturing teachers, and a structured curriculum that includes STEM and music, Hillstone sets your child up for success.
Whether you're starting in the Mini’s Program or looking ahead to Pre-K, we have a place for your child.
Ready to Take the First Step?
Hillstone Academy Preschool is currently enrolling for the upcoming school year. We’d love to discuss your child’s needs, answer your questions, and walk you through what to expect.