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My son started JK this past year and to be honest the only things they NEED to know at that point is to play well with the other kids and listen to the teacher...the rest they learn from him/her. Of course it helps to have practiced ABC's and counting at home but unless you are looking for help concerning language, I wouldn't worry about a tutor until grade school.

Sorry Mazzo, I don't ant to pick on you as I am sure you're looking out for wahts' best for your children.

However, what are we becoming. Tutoring for kindergarden? That's what kindergarden is for, getting children ready for school.

I had a daughter who was the same and was born the end of December as well so she was not as knowledgable (sp?) as some of the kids starting with her. I found she caught up soon enough plus when they see their friends doing things they can't, that spurs them on! I'm sure it won't hurt to have someone work with her but also don't woprry about it either...she will get there!

I agree as a teacher in the Peel board....your child's teacher is more than capable at that age/grade to give them what they need. Sounds like it's more behavioural and the school should have many supports. A tutor will not help your child focus, trust me. My recommendation is to socialize them well over the summer, be tough with the disciplining, and be involved come September. Just my 2 cents as a teaching professional.

Mazzio, as I said, I am sure you want the best for your doughter. My oldest son was the same and he learned everything in kindergarten. The best thing you could do for her, if possible, take her 2 to 3 times a week to daycare, real daycare, not home based. THere is nothing better for her than being with other kids of her age in a structured environment.

Mazzo -

my son was the same, he wasn't not interested in pre-reading or pre-writing skills. he loved to learn... just not at a desk. i couldn't even get him to write his name. not interested. and he is sooo shy. i was really anxious about starting him at school.
but he is just finishing JK next week, and the progress he has made is wonderfull. he is much more confident and actually speaks up in class now! and he really likes math and writing.. he writes his name as well as all the names of his family members. apparently, he just needed the "school" atmosphere to motivate him.. and a great teacher (i have yet to meet a Kindergarten teacher that isn't patient)

anyway.. here's the info on the kindergarten program for the Halton Public Board:

http://www.haltondsb.on.ca/main.aspx?sM ... PageID=521

they use to have an EvenStart program for a few weeks in August, for kids who have never been in a formal daycare/preschool inviroment. you may want to find out if that is being offered this summer...

i also took Daniel to the Ontario Early Years Centre for some of thier drop-in and Drop Off programs to get him used to the structure.

Hope this helps!