Kindergarteners & First Graders: The "COVID Birth Years"

As the 2025–2026 school year gets underway, there’s a unique milestone to notice: this year’s kindergartners and first graders are the children who were born during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

For many families, those first years looked very different from what you might have imagined when you were expecting. Instead of library story hours, music classes, or regular playdates, there were lockdowns, masks, and social distancing. Pediatricians’ offices limited visits. Grandparents and extended family may have been kept at a distance. Early childhood programs closed or were moved online. In short: many children experienced fewer opportunities for social connection, exploration, and group learning in their earliest years.

First day of school - mother helping daughter adjust backpack

As these “COVID babies” now enter structured classrooms, educators and parents may notice:

• Social readiness gaps. Some children may have more difficulty separating from parents or adjusting to group routines.

• Language development differences. With fewer peer interactions, some children may need extra support to build vocabulary, expressive language, and social communication skills.

• Emotional regulation. Early experiences of stress (even when buffered by loving families) can influence how children manage big feelings and transitions.

  • Academic foundations. While some children thrived with extra one-on-one parent time, others may have missed out on key pre-literacy and pre-math experiences that happen in preschool or group settings.

It’s important to remember that every child’s experience is unique. Some students will transition smoothly, while others may need a little more patience, encouragement, and structured support to find their footing.

What Parents Can Do:

• Watch closely. Pay attention to how your child adjusts, both academically and socially.

• Communicate. Share observations with your child’s teacher—home-to-school partnership matters more than ever.

• Seek support early. If you notice persistent challenges, don’t wait. Schools have systems in place to evaluate and provide help.

• Focus on strengths. Celebrate the resilience these children already carry—they were born into uncertainty and are now entering school with fresh potential.

This is a one-of-a-kind generation, and they deserve our awareness and support as they begin their school journeys. With the right structures in place, they will thrive.

If you’re concerned about your child’s adjustment to kindergarten or first grade—or if you’re wondering whether they may need additional support—reach out. At Cape Cod Advocate, we can review your child’s progress, help you understand their educational rights, and create a plan to ensure they start their academic journey on solid ground. Give us a call, we're here to help!