What should my child be able to do before kindergarten?
The CDC's milestones for 5 year olds list what most children can do by kindergarten age, across feelings, language, thinking and movement, and children differ. Reading together every day and playing with letters, numbers and rhymes are good ways to practice. Peabody's checklist is built on the CDC's list, with a free next step for your child.
Checked October 29, 2026.
Asked by families like yours and answered by Peabody editors. How we write and check. For your own child, your pediatrician knows best.
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Sources
- CDC, Learn the Signs. Act Early.: Milestones by 5 Years (reviewed 16 May 2026) (checked October 29, 2026)