Santa Barbara Public Library launches pilot program to prepare kids for kindergarten

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – Mornings at the Santa Barbara Public Library tend to fill up with kids eager to learn.

This weekend the library will offer a new program called Kinder Ready to help kids prepare for kindergarten.

"We are seeing a need for more opportunities … to practice being in class setting in a group and some of those social emotional learning that you need … to be prepared for kindergarten," said library services manager Molly Wetta of the Santa Barbara Public Library.

In this 10-week series, children will practice independence, building routines, and developing social skills. 

"This isn’t just about learning your ABC’s and counting ... it’s about learning to be around new people to be in a learning environment to lineup and sit still and those foundational concepts will get them ready to transition to school," said Wetta.

“We’re going to learn routines .. practice to be more independent class by class … very early print awareness as well," said youth services library technician Rebecca Robertson of the Santa Barbara Public Library.

"This is about getting everybody ready. Kindergarten is a huge milestone … you get moving and you’re thinking about all these changes and how they’re going to make it … my part will be to have a chance to have parents talk to each other get to know each other … support each other," said children's collections librarian Gwen Wagy of Santa Barbara Public Library.

During lessons and circle time, caregivers will connect with each other to talk about this new developmental stage.

While bilingual English Spanish staff will be present, the program is conducted primarily in English.

“Our hope is that we can be a center for community education and help parents feel confident about their kids taking that first step into a classroom setting kindergarten," said Wetta.

Space is limited, and pre-registration is required.

Each session will focus on a new theme and concepts and include lap games, introductions, a short lesson, and circle time.

Organizers of Kinder Ready hope this opportunity will help create a nurturing space where families can grow together.

For more information, visit: https://library.santabarbaraca.gov/.