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Kiddie Academy® Guide to Graduation
Graduation represents a meaningful transition for children and their families. Athoughtfullydesigned ceremony celebrates each child’s growth and accomplishments while recognizing the relationships built throughout their time at the Academy. It also provides an opportunity to maintain connection as families move on to kindergarten, summer programs, or future stages within the Kiddie Academy community. This guide outlines how to plan a ceremony that is developmentally appropriate, outcomes-driven, family-centered, and memorable. Event Preparation Selecting Your Date Choosing therighttimingcan support both family participation and business goals. • Common graduation windows include May/June or (August). • Hosting graduation the month before school begins can support summer retention. It also positions summer programming as a purposeful bridge between preschool and kindergarten. If your Academy offers a kindergarten program, you can use the recommendations in this guide to hold a kindergarten graduation ceremony. Ideal Timing THIS GUIDE WORKS FOR ALL GRADUATIONS late summer Guide to Graduation 2
Day and Time Ideal Timing cont. • Decide early who to invite based on space constraints. • Many Academies invite capacity allows. when • Provide simple refreshments such as beverages and graduation cake. • Consider partnering with a local business (coffee shop, bakery, deli, Chick-fil-A , etc.) to build community relationships.® • If hosting outdoors, establish a rain date or identify an location in advance. • Communicate contingency plans clearly in invitations and reminders. • Consider framing summer camp for this age group as a school readiness and transition program. Emphasize social-emotional growth, independence, and confidence-building versus “child care only.” • Evenings or weekends typically accommodate the greatest number of families. • Be sure to factor in staff availability, as educators play a critical role in supporting children throughout the ceremony. • Hire a professional photographer or assign a designated staff member to capture key moments. • Consider offering a photo booth or step-and-repeat backdrop with simple props for post-ceremony family photos. • Most Academies host graduations on-site, often outdoors. • Indoor options may work well if you have multi-purpose or auxiliary spaces. • Off-site venues can be considered but may introduce additional costs, logistics, and accessibility considerations. parents, siblings, and extended family indoor backup Guest List Light Refreshments Location Considerations Weather Contingency Plan Photography and Visual Memories Guide to Graduation 3
Child Preparation Activities • Suggested Photo Shot List CORPORATE TEAM AWARENESS It is generally helpful to inform your Franchise Business Consultant (FBC) of your graduation plans. Awareness allows corporate teams to stay aligned with Academy milestones and support as needed. • My Kiddie Academy Memories book Createanddecorate graduationitems process art • Practice graduation songs and fingerplays • Candid photos of children preparing before the ceremony • Each child processing to their seat • Family reactions during the ceremony • Candid photos of speakers • Action shots of children’s musical or movement performances (or video recording) • Individual family photos in front of the backdrop • Class photos with educators and staff • Post-ceremony celebration and gathering • Detail shots of décor, food, and signage - Children can contribute photos, artwork, signatures, and artifacts reflecting their preschool experience. (caps, sashes, t-shirts, banners). - Encourage ,allowing children to explore materials, make choices, and express individuality—ratherthan producing identical final products. - Supports creativity, confidence, and self-expression. during Music & Movement. - Rehearsal builds memory, cooperation, self-regulation, and confidence with group performance. - Refer to the Class Performance Song Recommendations (page 12). Graduation becomes more meaningful when children actively participate before and during the ceremony in ways that reflect Life Essentials outcomes. Bringing Life Essentials Outcomes into Graduation Preparation ® Guide to Graduation 4
5 Life Essentials Graduation isanideal timeto recognizeeachchild’sunique growth through the Kiddie Outcomes Awards Academy Outcomes Awards. These awards honor individual progress across the six outcomes, without comparison. Guidelines for Outcomes Awards • Character Award – Demonstrates kindness, responsibility, and positive choices that contribute to a caring classroom. • Confidence Award – Shows bravery, willingness to try new things, and belief in themselves. • Curiosity Award – Asks questions, explores ideas, and approaches learning with enthusiasm. • Connection Award – Builds friendships, listens, shares, and helps others feel included. • Critical Thinking Award – Solves problems, overcomes challenges, and thinks thoughtfully. • Creative Expression Award – Uses imagination and communicates ideas through art, music, storytelling, and play. By weaving these awards into the ceremony, families see clear connections between daily learning and long-term skill development. • Assign one award per child, reflecting personal strengths. • Avoid comparative language such as “best,” “most,” or superlatives. • Present awards using child-friendly explanations, so families understand their meaning. Outcomes Award Descriptions Guide to Graduation
Event Flow and Timeline TIPS FOR A SMOOTH CEREMONY • 2–3 songs or fingerplays. • Refer to Song Recommendation List (page 12). • Students called individually. • Diplomas and Outcomes Awards presented. • Photos captured. • Music recommendation: Pomp and Circumstance – Edward Elgar • Students walk to assigned seats. • Welcome from Director, Educator, or Franchisee. • Refer to Opening Welcome Script (page 13). • Families arrive and find seats. • Slideshow plays (year-in-review images, “then and now” comparisons). • Students line up with educators in caps and gowns (or other regalia). IdealLength:30–45minutes Shorter, engaging ceremonies work best for preschool-age children. Recommended Timeline • Assign staff to assist with transitions and seating. • Practice walking, sitting, singing, and diploma acceptance ahead of time. • Plan compassionate support for shy or anxious children. • Keep speeches concise and focused. Prepare and distribute a brief speaking schedule to keep the event on track. • Use visual cues or staff prompts. • Balance capturing photos while keeping children present. • Music recommendations: - Happy – Pharrell Williams - Walking on Sunshine – Katrina & The Waves - Celebration – Kool & The Gang • Slideshow resumes. • Words of encouragement and celebration. • Optional tassel turning. • Refer to Closing Remarks Script (page 13). Pre-Event Processional Class Performance (5 minutes) Student Recognition & Diplomas (15 minutes) Opening Remarks (3–5 minutes) Recessional Closing Remarks (3–5 minutes) Guide to Graduation 6
Assets Be sure to order graduation-specific assets to help elevate your event. Some items can be purchased once and reused year after year, while others such as family giveaways will need to be ordered annually. Plan to allow enough lead time for any new assets. Many of the assets can be customized and then printed professionally or produced in-house, depending on your needs. Speeches Graduation speeches give Franchisees, directors, or educators an opportunity to welcome families, acknowledge staff, and celebrate children’s growth and accomplishments. A brief, heartfelt speech helps set the tone for the ceremony, reinforces the importance of the achievements being recognized, and allows children and families to feel acknowledged and supported as they transition to kindergarten. Speeches should be short and simple, allowing children to follow along and families to stay connected to the moment. Below are suggested scripts to support welcoming families at the start of the ceremony and closing the event in a meaningful and memorable way. Find opening and closing graduation speech templates on page 13. Diploma Outcomes Award Certificates Canbe customized in Canva. These should be printed on a higher- quality paper to be handed out to children during the ceremony. Canbe customized in Canva. These should be printed on higher- quality paper and handed out to children during the ceremony. Guide to Graduation 7
T-shirt MarkedPromo Gift each graduate with a customized Kiddie Academy Graduate t-shirt to wear at the ceremony as an alternative to a cap and gown. Children can continue to wear the t-shirt out and about, resulting in more brand awareness for you. Banner MarkedPromo There are two options for banners – one that is specific to the current year and one that can be used year after year. Lawn signs Marked Promo Gift each graduating family a yard sign to display at home. Display yard signs outside your Academy, as well. Program To becustomized in Canva, printed and distributed to families upon arriving at the ceremony. Invitation Step-and-repeat backdrop Marked Promo This backdrop can be used at other events you have at your Academy – from open houses to national events and more. My Kiddie Academy Memories book SLWM Order these to arrive several weeks before graduation to give educators time to work through the activities with children. This book will be a keepsake that children can keep for years to come to remember who they were in pre-k/kindergarten. Books are designed to be evergreen, so you can keep leftovers to use the next year. Canbe customized in Canva. For print and/or digital use. Congratulations to ® Our Kiddie Academy Graduates Proud Home of a Kiddie Academy® Graduate Class of 2026 to Celebrate Our Graduates to Celebrate Our Graduates® You’reInvited® You’reInvited Pleasejoinusasweproudlycelebratethe ® Pleasejoinusasweproudlycelebratethe ® KiddieAcademy Classof2026! KiddieAcademy Classof2026! Graduation Ceremony 4 o’clock|KiddieAcademyofAbingdon Graduation Ceremony 4 o’clock|KiddieAcademyofAbingdon Friday, May 22 Friday, May 22 We’re so proud to cheer your children on and celebrate the growth, learning, and joy they’ve shared with us this year. We hope you’ll join us for this special moment. We’re so proud to cheer your children on and celebrate the growth, learning, and joy they’ve shared with us this year. We hope you’ll join us for this special moment. Assets cont. Congrats, Kiddie Academy® Graduates! Preschool Graduation Ceremony ® Kiddie Academy of [Location] 10:00am - 12:00pm Month 6, 2026 Thank You for Celebrating with Us We are so grateful you could join us to celebrate this special milestone. Your support, encouragement, and partnership have played an important role in each child's journey. During their time at Kiddie Academy, these graduates have grown in so many ways—learning to explore new ideas, build friendships, solve problems, and gain confidence in themselves. This progress would not be possible without the strong foundation of support from family and loved ones. Each day, they showed curiosity, character, and a willingness to try something new. They asked questions, extended kindness to others, and embraced learning with enthusiasm. As they begin their next adventure, we know they carry these skills and your continued support with them. The future is bright, and we are proud to celebrate this moment alongside you. With appreciation and best wishes, YourKiddie Academy Community My Kiddie Academy® Memories WHAT I WANT TO BE WHEN I GROW UP Ready, Set, Go 4-Year-OldCurriculum • pg. 447 • Review occupations explored in community helper units or books, then invite children to think about the job they would like to have as an adult and discuss why it interests them and why they would be a good fit. • Encourage them to imagine what the job looks like, including clothing, tools, and setting, and then draw a self-portrait of themselves in that role. • When they are finished, write a sentence about the reason they chose that profession. Objective: The children will draw a self-portrait of what they want to be when they grow up. Directions: 7 8 Congratulations to the Class of2026 Guide to Graduation 8
Post-Graduation Event Action Items • Upload photos to gallery • Publish a short news article highlighting key moments and quotes • Share ceremony highlights and behind-the-scenes content • Tag participating businesses (as appropriate) • Send a KARES email to enrolled families with highlights and photos • Include graduation coverage in your monthly newsletter • Send thank-you notes to key contributors and partners Graduation doesn’t end whenthe ceremony is over. What you do afterward shows families who attended that their presence mattered. It helps those in your community who didn’t graduate to see how thoughtfully you celebrate children’s milestones and growth. Follow these recommendations for leveraging your event beyond graduation day: Academy Website Ultimately, this is a matter of preference. Many Academies have an established tradition of using caps and gowns, while others may prefer a t-shirt option. Caps and gowns can require a larger upfront investment, whereas t-shirts offer a practical alternative that children can wear beyond the event, extending the celebration and increasing visibility in the community. We recommend providing t-shirts as a gift rather than charging families. Academies may also choose to have children wear their own attire. Regardless of the approach, the focus should remain on creating a meaningful and memorable experience for graduates and their families. Social Media Appreciation Email & Newsletter CAPS & GOWNS OR T-SHIRTS? Guide to Graduation 9
Graduated Family Continued Communication If your event happens early in the summer, use graduation as a natural bridge into what’s next. Invite families well in advance to remain part of your community through CampVentures . Let them know their child is welcome to continue attending camp and® be clear that CampVentures remains an option even after their child begins elementary school. This helps families see graduation not as a goodbye but as a transition. If Your Graduation Takes Place Before the School Year Begins When graduation happens just before children move on to kindergarten or first grade, plan a simple follow up about a month into the school year. This outreach should have no agenda—just a sincere check in. Ask how their child is adjusting, celebrate this next chapter, and remind families that they’re still part of your Academy community. Small gestures like this go a long way in building lasting goodwill. As you start marketing next year’s CampVentures, reconnect with families of graduates. Reference their child by name when possible and extend a warm invitation to reenroll. A personal touch reinforces the relationship you’ve already built and reminds families that CampVentures is a familiar, trusted option they can return to year after year. Graduation marks an important moment, but the way you communicate afterward shows families that your Academy’s support extends beyond the ceremony and into every stage of childhood. Graduation is a meaningful milestone,but itshouldn’tsignalthe endof your relationship with families. Thoughtful post graduation communication helps families feel valued, reinforces your Academy as part of their child’s ongoing story, and keeps the door open for future engagement. If Your Graduation Takes Place at the Beginning of Summer Guide to Graduation 10
Graduation Execution Checklist Pre-Event During Event Post-Event Set up refreshments Prepare photo-op area Deliver closing thanks Set up ceremony seating Select date and time Confirm staff participation Distribute invitations Secure rain date or backup location Order branded collateral Confirm refreshments and partners Upload images to website Publish Academy News article Share social media highlights Include in newsletter Send thank-you notes Send diplomas/materials to absent families Confirm photography and shot list Test AV equipment Build pre-event excitement on social media Display assets (banner, lawn signs, photos, etc.) Make sure families take home t-shirts, My Kiddie Academy Memories book, and any other relevant items Guide to Graduation 11
Class Performance Song Recommendations Musicplays an important role in makinga preschool graduation joyful, engaging, and memorable for children and their families. Thoughtfully selected songs and fingerplays give children an opportunity to express themselves, build confidence, and actively participate in the celebration. Practicing these songs regularly in the weeks leading up to the graduation helps children become comfortable with the lyrics, movements, and routines. Below is a list of age-appropriate songs and fingerplays that are easy to learn, fun to perform, and are meaningful for this special occasion. • Skidamarink A Dink A Dink I Love You – • You’ve Got a Friend in Me – Randy The Wiggles Newman • Sesame Street: What I Am – Will.i.am • Yay, Yay It’s Graduation Day! – Jack • We’re Moving Up to Kindergarten • Tooty Ta! – Jack Hartmann • Graduation Song – The KiboomersHartmann • Boom Chicka Boom (Graduation Version) – The Learning Station Guide to Graduation 12
Speech Templates Opening Welcome Script Closing Remarks Script (Estimated time: 3 minutes) (Estimated time: 3 minutes) PreschoolGraduationClosingRemarks Script As we come to the end of our graduation ceremony, we want to take a moment to reflect on what today represents. What you’ve seen today is more than a celebration; it’s a snapshot of growth. Each PreschoolGraduationOpeningWelcome Script Good [morning/afternoon], everyone, and welcome! On behalf of our entire Kiddie Academy community, thank you for being here today to celebrate such a special milestone. We are so excited to welcome our families, friends, and most importantly, our graduates. Today is filled with pride and joy as we honor the growth and accomplishments of these amazing children. To our families: thank you. Thank you for trusting us with your children, for partnering with us every day, and for supporting them as they learn, grow, and discover who they are becoming. Your involvement and encouragement play a powerful role in everything they achieve, and today’s celebration would not be possible without you. To our incredible educators and staff: thank you for the care, dedication, and heart you bring to your work each day. You have helped guide these children through big moments and small ones, including learning to make friends, solve problems, express child who walked across the stage today has learned how to try, how to persist, how to care for others, and how to believe in themselves. These are the skills that matter most, and they will carry them far beyond these early years. their emotions, try new things, and believe in themselves. The impact you’ve had on their lives will last far beyond today, and we are deeply grateful for all that you do. And to our graduates: today is your day. You have worked hard, learned so much, and grown in ways that may feel small day to day but add up to something truly remarkable. You’ve learned how to be kind, curious, confident, and capable. You’ve practiced new skills, made friendships, and discovered that learning can be fun. We are so proud of each and every one of you. Graduation is not an ending; it’s a celebration of a journey and the beginning of a new one. Today, we take time to pause, reflect, and recognize how far these children have come as they prepare for their next adventure. Thank you all again for being here to celebrate with us. We are honored to share this moment with you. Now, let’s enjoy this special ceremony together and celebrate our graduates. Guide to Graduation 13
To our families, thank you for being such strong partners in your child’s journey. Your support, encouragement, and trust have made a lasting impact, and we are grateful to have shared these early years with your family. We hope you leave today feeling proud; not only of how much your child has learned, but also of who they are becoming. To our educators and staff, thank you for the dedication, patience, and heart you bring to the classroom every day. You have helped lay the foundation for a lifelong love of learning, and your influence will stay with these children as they take their next steps. We also want to thank you for helping make this graduation ceremony possible, from planning and preparation to supporting the children today. And to our graduates: this is a big moment and are ready for what comes next. Kindergarten is waiting for you, and with it, new friends, new challenges, and new opportunities to learn and grow. Remember to be kind, stay curious, ask questions, and always do your best. We know you are going to do amazing things. You will always be part of our Kiddie Academy family. We are so proud of you, and we can’t wait to see where your journey takes you. Before you go, we invite all families and graduates to join us for a reception following the ceremony. Please stay and enjoy food, take photos, and celebrate this special milestone together. We hope you’ll take time to connect, capture memories, and enjoy this moment with your child. Thank you all for being here to celebrate this special day. Congratulations to the class of [year] from Kiddie Academy! Preschool Graduation Closing Remarks Script cont. Guide to Graduation 14