To determine if your child is ready to start school, assess your child's development and academic skills. According to Kathleen Olson and Alisha Hardman of the Univeristy of Minnesota, a child starting kindergarten should be able to communicate in clear sentences, correctly hold a pencil or crayon, count to 10, recognize the letters in her name, focus on small 15-minute tasks and be willing to take her turn during group activities. To further prepare your child for school, read and sing to her daily, introducing her to both written and spoken language and helping build her vocabulary.
If your child's birthday falls close to your state's eligibility cut-off date for kindergarten, he may be one of the youngest children in his class. Developmentally, there may be a wide gap between your child and his older classmates. If you feel your child has the skills needed for kindergarten, it may be in his best interests to go to school despite the age gap. However, another year at home will help your child to develop and strengthen social and literacy skills, if needed. He will be one of the oldest children in his class when he starts kindergarten the following year.
One disadvantage of keeping your child out of kindergarten for one more year could be continuing costs of child care, which can be a large household expense. Waiting a year may also delay the plans of a stay-at-home parent in returning to work, which could be detrimental to both the parent's career and the family finances. On the other hand, for those who can afford the continuing costs of remaining at home, delaying school may result in a stronger bond between parent and child.
Speak to other parents in similar situations. Approach the kindergarten teacher or principal at the school your child will eventually attend and discuss your child's options. Make a list of the benefits and disadvantages of each entry point at which your child could start kindergarten. Keep your child's best interests in focus, taking all issues into consideration when making a final decision.