In this episode of the Help 100 Schools Podcast, Karl Boehm interviews Elizabeth Fraley, founder and CEO of KinderReady, to discuss how early education is being reshaped—and what private schools must do to stay ahead. With kindergarten now resembling what used to be first grade benchmarks, expectations for young learners are rising fast.
Elizabeth brings over a decade of experience supporting schools and families. From shifting math standards to the decline of dramatic play, she shares trends, research and actionable strategies for creating confident learners—without sacrificing what’s developmentally appropriate.
What’s Covered:
1. Early Education is Evolving

Kindergarteners today are expected to master skills once taught in 1st grade. 
Core subjects like math are now focused on critical thinking, not memorization (think: number bonds, 10-frames). 
Elizabeth emphasizes the importance of preparing children without overwhelming them. 

2. Play-Based Learning vs. Academic Rigor

Dramatic play is crucial in preschool for building vocabulary, social skills, and creativity—but it’s nearly absent in modern kindergarten classrooms. 
Structured academic prep should gently increase during transitional years like pre-K or developmental kindergarten (DK). 
Schools must balance engagement and readiness. 

3. The Learning Triangle Framework
Elizabeth introduces a flexible model that evaluates each child across three key areas:

Math
Literacy
Social-emotional skills

No two children have perfectly balanced triangles—and that’s okay. Educators must assess, adapt, and personalize support based on what each student needs.
4. Understanding and Guiding Parent Expectations

Today’s parents compare their child’s education to their own childhood—and often find it unrecognizable. 
Fraley’s strategy: co-create goals with parents, explain modern methods clearly (like DIBELS assessments), and maintain transparent communication.

5. How Private Schools Can Lead the Way

Use developmental continuums and curriculum mapping to identify where each student stands. 
Assess what kind of preschool a student is transitioning from (play-based vs. academic) and tailor support accordingly. 
Prioritize mental health and social-emotional recovery, especially after community disruptions like natural disasters.

Elizabeth’s Top Takeaways for Schools:

Balance play and prep – One hour of structured learning a week can make a big impact.
Use data, not guesswork – Tools like DIBELS help identify early gaps.
Engage families – Strong school-family partnerships are essential.
Prioritize mental health – Emotional readiness fuels academic growth.
Every child is a triangle – Customize support to each learner’s strengths and needs.

Resources & Links

Explore Kinder Ready: www.kinderready.com
Find Elizabeth on LinkedIn: Elizabeth Fraley 
Follow Kinder Ready on Facebook: Elizabeth Fraley Kinder Ready 
Subscribe to their Youtube Channel: Elizabeth Fraley Kinder Ready
Visit the Podcast Website: Help100Schools.com

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