Heading off to kindergarten is a huge milestone in the life of a five-year-old, in fact, for the entire family.

"It's a very significant event. You get new clothes, a backpack, school supplies, everyone's very happy, Grandpa is proud, Grandma is proud. Starting kindergarten is a defining moment in a child's life," said Pat Jensen, the principal at Dr. Roberta Bondar Elementary, a kindergarten to Grade 5 school in Abbotsford. Generally, the little ones are quite excited about heading out into the big, wide world without their parents, learning new things and making friends, but there is some worry as well.

"There's anxiety about leaving their toys and activities, worry about missing playtime at home. They wonder where's the washroom, who's going to help me with my shoes and coat, what's mum doing," said Jensen, who has also taught elementary and intermediate classes.

Over the years, school districts and educators have developed ways to make the transition less stressful for youngsters, and to give them the best start possible to their school careers. B.C. elementary schools offer Ready, Set, Learn, a play-based program that introduces three- and four-year-olds to learning with a fun visit to their local school. Several schools in Mission and Abbotsford have StrongStart early education programs with stories, music, art and time with educators for preschoolers to get ready for kindergarten.

The entire province is moving to full-day kindergarten by September 2011. Mission has made the transition in the majority of its schools, while many Abbotsford schools introduce the full-day program this year.

The entry into a full, six-hour day at school is introduced slowly, said Jensen.

It starts with an hour on the first day to meet teachers and classmates. Over the next week, teachers meet individually with the parent and child, to get to know the child a little better. In the second week, the children attend for half days in small groups, before starting their first full day on Sept. 15.

Kindergarten students are also immediately teamed up with older Grade 5 buddies, who help them with their shoes and jackets when it's time for recess, with reading and other school activities, and who are also on the playground to help out.

After years of teaching, Jensen still gets a kick out of watching the kindergarten students mature through their first school year.

"They're just a joy to watch. They start off with big eyes and bright smiles and gradually emerge from their nervousness to become confident students."

- See more at the Ministry of Education website: www.bced.gov.bc.ca.

There is definitely some letting go from the parents' side as well.