Children enter school with a range of knowledge and skills in multiple domains— physical, social,
emotional, linguistic, and cognitive. There is no exact profile of a child who is “ready” for school.
Nevertheless, children whose skills are far behind those of their new classmates do enter school at a
disadvantage. If they are unable to catch up, they face greater challenges throughout their school careers.
Social development is an important, often over-looked factor in children’s transition to preschool and to
primary school. A child who is socially ready for school should be able to make friends, get along with
peers, and communicate well with peers and teachers. Children who arrive at primary school with social
competencies generally have an easier time forming relationships with their peers and better school
outcomes.