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How old were you when you started kindergarten? Chances are, you and nearly everyone else in your class was about 5 years old. Not so anymore. These days, kids often start after age 5, whether it's due to their state's age requirements or their parents' choice.

Kindergarten age requirements vary by state; the birthday cut-off -- the date by which a child must be 5 before entering kindergarten -- is July in some states, December in others. But studies by childhood development experts suggest that chronological age should not be the only factor when it comes to determining kindergarten readiness.

The U.S. Department of Education recommends that if your...

How old were you when you started kindergarten? Chances are, you and nearly everyone else in your class was about 5 years old. Not so anymore. These days, kids often start after age 5, whether it's due to their state's age requirements or their parents' choice.

Kindergarten age requirements vary by state; the birthday cut-off -- the date by which a child must be 5 before entering kindergarten -- is July in some states, December in others. But studies by childhood development experts suggest that chronological age should not be the only factor when it comes to determining kindergarten readiness.

The U.S. Department of Education recommends that if your child meets your state's age requirement, ask yourself the following questions to help decide if she's truly ready for kindergarten:

• Kindergarten is, naturally, a group setting. Do you think your child could get along in this type of cooperative learning environment?
• Can your child follow two or three oral directions, start and finish a task, and listen to a story in a group setting?
• Is she able to follow rules and respect the people around her (and their belongings)?
• Does she know the difference between work and play?
• Are her gross- and fine-motor skills on track for her age? Meaning, can she run and climb, and use a pencil, crayons, and scissors?
• Does she recognize colors and shapes (at least the basic ones)?
• Does she understand the concept of a story?

If you have concerns that your child is not ready for kindergarten, make arrangements through your school district to meet with your school's principal and/or kindergarten teacher. They'll help you decide if you should send her on her way, or keep her at home or in preschool for one more year.

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Jun 20, 2008 at 9:06:44 AM

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mereillyx2
2 weeks ago

Too Young?

Our oldest son (6 yrs) started K two weeks before his 5th birthday. He had gone to preschool every day the year before so the transition was fine. He did really well. He is my intellectual child.
My youngest is now in prescool everyday, but he will not...  read more

Not Acceptable?

CaitlynForever1128
October 17, 2008

My sons didnt go to PreS. be4 Kin.

They only went like 1 week, sadly they hated it. They loved Kindergarden. But now they 9 and go to 4th Grade. So all parents who have children in Kindergarden, don't stress if they don't go to Kindergarden early, because they will go...  read more

Not Acceptable?

Jennyboots
June 17, 2008

Our experience

My girls had two years of preschool before kindergarten but the transition from a few hours of school to all day had me worried. The first weeks they were really tired but boy once they adjusted they did so well. Lilly has an August...  read more

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