Preschool on College Street Helps Young Learners Take the Next Step

The first days of kindergarten can bring a mix of excitement and uncertainty for children and their families. In recent years, staff members from Preschool on College Street helped make that transition smoother by beginning the year alongside students at Hodgenville Elementary Schools and Abraham Lincoln Elementary School.

Last week, POCS staff rotated between the two elementary schools, offering familiar faces and support as children adjusted to new classrooms, teachers, routines and expectations. Their presence helped bridge the gap between preschool and kindergarten, giving students a sense of comfort as they entered a school environment.

For many children, seeing a trusted preschool staff member at the elementary school made the new setting feel less intimidating. Staff encouraged students, helping them navigate arrival and classroom routines, and reassure them that they were ready for this next stage. That continuity provided comfort to parents, who could begin the school year knowing that people familiar with their children were helping them settle in.

By rotating between HES and ALES, the Preschool on College Street team was able to support children entering both schools. The effort reflected a shared commitment to meeting students where they were and recognizing that a successful start can shape a child’s confidence throughout the year.

The transition into kindergarten is an important milestone. Children must become comfortable with new schedules, spaces, classmates and responsibilities, while parents also adjust to a different, larger school community. Having preschool staff present during the opening days created a valuable connection between the children’s early learning experience and their elementary education.

The effort also demonstrated the importance of collaboration among educators. When preschool and elementary staff work together, they can share knowledge, strengthen relationships and give each child a supportive beginning.

For Preschool on College Street, the work did not end when its students completed preschool. By accompanying them into HES and ALES, staff members showed that preparing children for kindergarten includes helping them cross the threshold with confidence. Their presence made school entry easier for students and parents alike — and helped turn a major change into a positive beginning for a new chapter.