Preschool Foundations Guide

Please remember, this is NOT a must do everything checklist. It is a whole-child, play based approach focusing on social, emotional, physical, and early learning skills. 

At Homegrown Learning Community, learning isn’t about perfection. It’s about growth, connection, community, confidence, curiosity, and emotional well-being. Every child develops and grows at their own pace.

This checklist is a gentle guide to help you support foundational skills needed for a smooth transition to the next learning level: Kindergarten.

Disclaimer: This resource is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Our guides and checklists are thoughtfully created using the New Jersey Student Learning Standards (NJSLS) as a reference and are designed to provide families with a general framework for skills that support learning and development. They are not intended to replicate public school curriculum, prescribe what every child should know by a certain age or grade, or serve as professional educational advice. Every child develops at their own pace, and we encourage families to adapt these resources to meet their child's individual needs and learning journey.

A Note from Homegrown:

While these guides are organized using the New Jersey Student Learning Standards, they are not meant to recreate public school at home. Instead, they offer a helpful roadmap of foundational skills that children can develop naturally through play, exploration, conversation, real-life experiences, and meaningful hands-on learning. Use these guides as a tool, not a checklist of expectations, and adapt them in whatever way best fits your family and your child's unique path!