Connecticut Moms - Starting School and Late Birthday Children

I held both of my children back one has a Dec. bday and the other late Sept. It was the best decision that I could have made. They both grew so much with another year of preschool. My oldest is in 4th grade now and excelling in every way. My youngest is in Kindergarten this year and doing great. I have never regretted my decision to wait another year. As a former teacher, I don't feel that any child is ready to start Kindergarten when they are only 4 years old.

I've grappled with this question twice myself. Oldest daughter had a late October birthday and 2nd daughter had a December birthday. I started them both at age 4. Our school system had a grade called transition at the time so at the end of the year if they weren't ready for 1st grade they would be moved into transition which was a full day of school that had a lot of hands on teaching. Both ended up in transition.

My youngest grandson has an end of December birthday and my daughter and her hubby decided to start him in kindergarden this year. He passed all the testing and has been doing great.

I'd say to let your child be your guide. If she seems ready and can keep up then put her in. Worst case would be she repeats kindergarden and that's not the end of the world.

I think this depends entirely on your daughter's developmental status. If she has the skills in place that other kids starting kindergarten have, then there probably won't be a problem. Although it was a long time ago, I myself was sent to kindergarten at 4 with a December birthday and my mother swears it was the best decision for me. Good luck!

LL,
Every child is different. My son's birthday is at the end of November and he began kindergarten at age 4. However, he had all the basic tools for school and then some. Academically he exceeded the requirements - could read, write, and do basic math. But, more importantly, he could share, pay attention to the teacher, follow directions, be polite, engage in group and solitary activities, play nice, etc. At the end of kindergarten, we debated holding him back because he is smaller. He is in first grade now and, other than his size, you would never know that he was so much younger. THe best part is, he really likes school. So, I think we made the right decision. My nephew is one year and one day apart from my son and they are holding him back. He is not ready for school. He likes to play in his own imaginary world, be boisterous, and emotionally he is very child-like. Both of our boys went to preschool, but their personalities could not be more different.
My recommendation would be to contact your school district. Tell them your situation. They may offer a skills assessment. Or maybe you can request a visit to a kindergarten classroom with your daughter to see how she feels about it. It is a really tough decision. We agonized over it.
Good Luck,
C.

Hi,
Every kid is different. My son is 3 months younger then one of his friends but he acts much older. I would bring your daughter to the school & have one of the teachers spend some time with her. I fyou feel she is ready go for it. if not then one more year home. I went early myself & ended up repeating kindergarden due to ear aches. My husband & I graduated together but are 13months apart in age. It will all work out. Good luck