Kindergarten is the new 1st grade.
If your child is entering school soon and you’re wondering why things feel so different from when you were growing up, you’re not imagining it.
The expectations have changed.
The pressure has increased.
And unfortunately, the pandemic made the gap even wider—especially for our youngest learners.
As an Early Childhood Interventionist, I’ve worked closely with PreK and Kindergarten students throughout the school year. Most of the children I served were born during the pandemic or spent their earliest years in a world that was shut down.
Let’s talk about what that means—honestly.
The Pandemic Stole Critical Learning Years
During the height of COVID:
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Daycares were closed.
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Parents were overwhelmed—trying to work, survive, and cope with uncertainty.
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Children had limited exposure to peer interactions, books, speech, and structured routines.
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And everywhere they went, people wore masks—which meant they couldn’t even see how mouths formed sounds or words.
This affected more than just speech.
It delayed social development, disrupted early literacy, and prevented the kind of everyday interactions that build vocabulary, confidence, and communication.
Fast Forward to Today…
Now, those same children are expected to:
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Read CVC words
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Write first and last names
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Count to 100
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Understand math concepts like more and less
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Sit attentively for 15–20 minutes
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Follow multi-step directions
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And perform on assessments before 1st grade even starts
And here’s the thing: if a child didn’t attend a strong Pre-K or receive targeted support at home, they may already be behind—before they even walk through the kindergarten classroom door.
It’s Not Your Fault—But It Is Your Fight
This isn’t about blame.
Parents did (and are doing) the best they can with what they have.
But now we’re seeing the long-term impact—and the truth is, our babies are struggling in silence. The earlier we step in, the better the outcomes.
That’s why I created a free Kindergarten Readiness Checklist for families just like yours—to help you see where your child stands and know what steps to take next.
You can use it as a guide, a learning map, or even a conversation starter with your child’s teacher.
Ready to Close the Gap?
If you’re concerned, confused, or just want to make sure your child has a strong start—I’ve got you.
Click below to download the checklist.
It’s quick, easy, and could be the first step toward helping your child feel more confident and capable in the classroom.
[Download the Kindergarten Readiness Checklist]
Together, we can turn this pandemic learning gap into a comeback story.
About the Author
Chauntell Roberts is a certified educator and Early Childhood Interventionist with over 20 years of experience. As the founder of Elevated Training Solutions, she provides academic support, tutoring, and parent coaching for PreK–5th grade families, especially in underserved communities.