Free event to help incoming kindergartners get prepared

Families with children who will attend kindergarten in the fall can glean resources at a free kindergarten readiness event from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday at community libraries in Battle Ground, Cascade Park, Ridgefield, Vancouver and Washougal.

The free event — called “Are you K ready?” — will help incoming kindergartners prepare for school. The purpose is to meet families and incoming kindergarten students and to encourage early registration and kindergarten readiness.

Families can learn about which elementary school their child will attend; early registration benefits; and health, dental and immunization information. They can get their first library cards and participate in activities, including a puppet show, drawings and giveaways. Each incoming kindergartner will receive a book.

The event was developed by the groups Support for Early Learning and Families, or SELF, and Our Children Can’t Wait.

“It’s not too late to work with your child over the summer so they are ready for school in the fall,” said Debbie Ham, executive director of SELF.

Ham said many families do not realize the importance of registering in the spring.

Event partners include the Fort Vancouver Regional Library District, the Community Foundation for Southwest Washington, area early learning partners and school districts, as well as sponsors Dozer Day, LSW Architects and Vancouver Energy.

For details about the event and kindergarten readiness, visit www.selfwa.org/kready.