Help One Hundred Schools

How Early Education is Evolving: What Private Schools Need to Know

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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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                Help One Hundred SchoolsBy Karl Boehm