What if kindergarten didn't begin on the first day of school, but months before? In this episode of Plant the Seed of Learning, pediatric occupational therapist Dr. Aimee Ketchum and professor of education Dr. Crystal Loose welcome Valerie Williams, kindergarten transition leader at Trying Together, whose career has spanned the arts, education, nonprofit leadership, and public policy.

Val shares how her unique journey shaped her passion for helping children and families navigate the transition to kindergarten. Together, they explore what kindergarten readiness really means, why every child is ready to learn, and how successful transitions require more than prepared children. They require prepared families, schools, and communities. The conversation highlights Pittsburgh's nationally recognized Hi5 Kindergarten Transition model, the annual Kindergarten, Here I Come! event, and practical ways libraries, pediatricians, childcare programs, businesses, and educators can work together to give every child the best possible start.

Whether you're a parent wondering how to prepare your child, an educator supporting incoming students, or a community leader looking to strengthen early childhood partnerships, this episode offers practical ideas and an inspiring reminder that kindergarten readiness is everyone's responsibility.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why kindergarten transition begins long before the first day of school.
• What kindergarten readiness really means and why it's about more than academics.
• Why every child is ready to learn, even if they develop at different rates.
• How communities can work together to support children and families.
• What makes the Hi5 Kindergarten Transition model a national example.
• Simple, meaningful ways parents can prepare their child for kindergarten this summer.

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/valwilliamspgh

Songs for Young Whippersnappers on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@songsforyoungwhippersnappe5084?si=ZfaZAx1PWig4vDuE

If you'd like to connect to the HI5 Kindergarten Transition Network you can join their free Professional Learning Community which meets 6x/year virtually on zoom by registering HERE. To reach Hi5, email: Hi5@tryingtogether.org

Val's Book! : Dilber the Cranky Banana

Links to Informatoin Discussed on this Episode: