Preschool & Kindergarten Readiness IEP goals for preschool (ages 3 to 5)
45 of the preschool & kindergarten readiness templates in the library are written for preschool (ages 3 to 5). Each opens in the builder, where the grade band is a starting point and the baseline comes from your own assessment.
45 templates · 1 skill · Pre-K · How we write and review goals
Goals by skill
Numbers are illustrative; set targets from the student's own baseline.
Preschool & Kindergarten Readiness Functional & Independence Skills
Say goodbye to the caregiver and join the classroom
Separating from a caregiver
By the annual IEP review date, at morning drop-off at the classroom door, with the caregiver following the agreed goodbye routine, the student will complete the drop-off routine and join the first activity, performing at least 4 of 5 steps independently, on 4 of 5 consecutive school days, as measured by a task-analysis checklist collected daily at drop-off.
Sit and attend during circle time
Attending during circle time
By the annual IEP review date, during the daily circle time on the carpet with the whole class, the student will remain in the circle area and take part in the activity in their usual way (such as responding, singing, or using the materials) independently for at least 8 minutes, on 4 of 5 consecutive circle times, as measured by duration recording collected daily during circle time.
Respond when name is called
Responding to own name
By the annual IEP review date, when an adult calls the child's name once from within 3 feet during play, the student will respond in a way that shows they heard (pausing, turning toward the adult, vocalizing, signing, or a device message) within 3 seconds independently in at least 4 of 5 opportunities, across 3 consecutive data collection days, as measured by opportunity-by-opportunity data collected daily, five planned trials.
Follow one-step directions given to the group
Following group directions
By the annual IEP review date, when the teacher gives a one-step direction to the whole class during circle or a transition (stand up, get your coat, come to the carpet), the student will follow the group direction within 10 seconds independently in at least 4 of 5 opportunities, across 3 consecutive data collection days, as measured by direct observation collected daily, across the first five group directions.
Join circle-time songs with actions
Participating in songs and finger plays
By the annual IEP review date, during a familiar action song or finger play at circle time, the student will do the actions along with the song independently in at least 4 of 5 opportunities, across 3 consecutive data collection days, as measured by direct observation collected daily during circle time.
Move to the next center when the signal is given
Moving between centers
By the annual IEP review date, when the center-change signal (bell, song, or lights) is given during center time, the student will begin moving to the next center independently within 15 seconds, in 4 of 5 recorded transitions across 3 consecutive days, as measured by latency recording collected daily, across the center rotations.
Preschool preschool & kindergarten readiness goals are measured inside daily routines rather than with worksheets, and the criteria are small: a few opportunities a day, a handful of steps, short periods of time. Conditions name the routine (circle, centers, snack) so any adult in the room can take the data.
Matching data sheets
Each goal above links to the blank sheet built for its measure. These are the sheets this set of goals uses:
- Task-analysis checklistMarks each step of a routine as independent, with support, or not completed across sessions.Used by 8 goals here
- Duration trackerTimes how long a behavior lasts and compares it with the target duration.Used by 7 goals here
- Opportunity trackerRecords each opportunity as independent, prompted, or not demonstrated.Used by 17 goals here
- Latency trackerTimes the gap between a cue and the start of the response.Used by 1 goal here
- Accuracy trackerNumber correct out of number attempted, with percent accuracy and support level.Used by 12 goals here
Frequently asked questions
What do preschool & kindergarten readiness goals look like for preschool?
They describe a readiness or developmental skill performed during a classroom routine, with a criterion in opportunities or steps. The support level is written in, since most preschool goals start with prompting and fade it.
How often should preschool goals be measured?
A few opportunities on most days, recorded on a trial or task-analysis sheet. Short, frequent samples match how young children show skills.
Does a preschool IEP need the same parts as a school-age IEP?
Yes. Measurable annual goals, present levels, and progress reporting are required at every age under 34 CFR 300.320. Preschool IEPs may also address participation in appropriate activities rather than the general curriculum.
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