Entering school after an unusual early childhood
The early years of millions of children born in 2020 were shaped by the COVID-19 pandemic, with limited social interaction and high parental stress. Now, many of these children — sometimes referred to as “COVID kindergartners” — are entering kindergarten, raising questions about how prepared they are for this stage.
Developmental effects during early years
Research has shown that children born during the early months of the pandemic displayed slight differences in motor and social skills compared to pre-pandemic cohorts. However, experts emphasize the brain’s plasticity, noting that early delays are not necessarily predictive of long-term outcomes.
Language delays are one of the most commonly observed effects. A 2023 study found that children who turned two between 2021 and 2023 were significantly more likely to be diagnosed with speech delays than children who turned two before the pandemic. Specialists attribute this to reduced exposure to facial expressions and verbal interaction during lockdowns.
Educational and behavioral challenges
Beyond individual development, the pandemic also left broader social and educational impacts. Increased screen time and parental stress have been linked to behavioral and attention difficulties. Preschool attendance and school participation also declined, with chronic absenteeism rising in recent years.
According to recent assessments, the percentage of 5-year-olds entering kindergarten with expected levels in reading and math has dropped compared to 2019. While students are progressing academically, the pace has not been enough to fully recover from learning losses. Still, experts highlight that with the right resources, schools can help close these gaps, even in disadvantaged communities.
Conclusion
The so-called “pandemic children” are entering kindergarten with unique experiences that set them apart from previous generations. Although challenges such as speech delays, screen-related behaviors, and academic preparedness persist, research and expert opinion agree that with strong educational support and early intervention, these students have the capacity to adapt and thrive.
