Tiny Wins Parent GuideTiny Wins Toolkit Supporting Your Kindergartener with ADHD Parent Resource Understanding the Kindergarten "Engine" In kindergarten, executive function—the brain's command center—is still developing for everyone. For a child with ADHD, this command center processes information and regulates impulses differently. It's not about a lack of effort; it's about how their "engine" is wired. What we see: Difficulty waiting for a turn in circle time Easily "pulled away" by classroom sounds Big emotions that pass quickly Frequent need for movement The hidden strengths: Creative, "out of the box" thinking High energy and playfulness Hyper-focus on topics they love Resilience and a quick-to-forgive nature Home Success Strategies 1 Visual Routines Use pictures for routines. Kindergarteners respond best to seeing exactly what comes next (e.g., Socks → Shoes → Backpack). 2 The "Two-Step" Rule Give only one or two instructions at a time. Have your child repeat them back before they start to ensure it "stuck." 3 Timed Challenges Turn boring tasks into games. "Can we pick up all the red blocks before the 2-minute timer goes off?" The Team Approach Share Your Successes Tell us what works at home! If a specific reward or phrase helps, we can try to mirror that consistency in the classroom. Positive Redirection We focus on "Catching them being good." Try to celebrate positive behavior 5 times more often than you correct mistakes. Explore Supports Let's talk about accommodations (like extra movement breaks or modified tasks) that help your child feel successful at school. Weekly "Tiny Win" Tracker Write down one small success each day! Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Read "The Explosive Child" - Dr. Ross Greene Visit ADDitudeMag.com & Understood.org Connect Local CHADD support groups "Every child blooms on their own timeline. Let's water the garden together."
Daily Spark Success SlipsDaily Spark Student Name Today's Tiny Win: A Great Moment In: Listening Sharing Trying Hard Kindness Keep shining! Daily Spark Student Name Today's Tiny Win: A Great Moment In: Listening Sharing Trying Hard Kindness Keep shining! Daily Spark Student Name Today's Tiny Win: A Great Moment In: Listening Sharing Trying Hard Kindness Keep shining! Daily Spark Student Name Today's Tiny Win: A Great Moment In: Listening Sharing Trying Hard Kindness Keep shining!
Supportive Partnership Teacher GuideSupportive Partnership Guide Teacher Facilitation for ADHD Support The Initial Conversation When discussing ADHD or related behaviors with parents, focus on **observable behaviors** and **collaborative solutions** rather than labels. Use this framework: Start with Strengths: "I love how [Student] brings so much energy to our science experiments..." The Observational Pivot: "I've noticed they struggle when we transition from recess back to quiet reading..." Invite Partnership: "What strategies are you using at home that help them feel successful?" Using "Daily Spark" Slips Consistency > Frequency You don't need to send one every day. Aim for 2-3 times a week to keep the "spark" of motivation alive without adding too much to your plate. Specificity Matters Instead of "Great job!", write "Used a quiet voice during circle time" or "Put away three blocks immediately when asked." The "Surprise" Factor Catch the student off guard with a positive slip. It reinforces that you are looking for their best moments. K-ADHD Accommodations Preferential seating near instruction Hand-held fidget for rug time Chunked instructions (one at a time) Visual countdown timer for tasks "Heavy work" breaks (e.g., carrying books) Parent FAQ Reference Q: "Are they just being naughty/defiant?" A: "Not at all. In kindergarten, behavior is communication. For students with ADHD, it often signals a brain that is 'under-stimulated' or struggling to filter sensory input. We are teaching them the skills to regulate, which just takes more practice for some." Q: "Will they always be like this?" A: "Kindergarten is a time of massive brain growth. Many of the behaviors we see now will improve as their prefrontal cortex develops. Our goal now is to build their self-esteem and give them a toolbox of strategies early on." Tiny Wins Toolkit © 2026 "The strongest bridge between school and home is built with empathy."
The IEP Roadmap ChecklistThe IEP Roadmap A Parent's Guide to Kindergarten ADHD Support Planning Checklist Step 1: Before the Meeting Preparation is your greatest tool. Use these checkboxes to gather your thoughts. Gather Outside Reports Collect any evaluations from pediatricians, psychologists, or therapists. Draft Your "Parent Vision" Statement What are your top 3 goals for your child this year? (e.g., social skills, following directions). Review the Draft Ask the school for a draft of the IEP 48 hours before the meeting so you can read it calmly. Questions to Ask About Goals: "How will we measure progress on this goal in a way that shows us his real-world classroom behavior?" About Environment: "Where will he be seated during high-distraction times like whole-group circle time?" About Supports: "What specific visual cues will the teacher use to help him transition between activities?" Key Accommodations Ensure these are discussed: Movement breaks built into the schedule Preferential seating (away from doors/sinks) Simplified, one-step instructions Visual timers or warnings for transitions Frequent positive reinforcement system Step 3: Post-Meeting Follow-Up Send a Thank You Note Briefly summarize your understanding of the main agreements in an email. This creates a paper trail of the conversation. Review Periodic Reports IEP goals are usually reported on at the same time as report cards. Put these dates in your calendar now! My Meeting Notes Tiny Wins Toolkit • IEP Preparation Sheet • Supporting ADHD in Kindergarten
My Daily Flow Visual ScheduleMy Daily Flow Visual Schedule Boards Today's Schedule 1 2 3 4 5 6 First / Then Transition Tool First We Do... Then We Do... Schedule Cards Cut these out to use with your boards! Cut along dotted lines Arrival Circle Time Reading Math Recess Centers Snack Art Music Clean Up Pack Up Dismissal Tip: Laminate cards and boards for daily use. Use Velcro dots to stick cards in place!
