The Kindergarten Dilemma: Should You Delay Your Child’s Start?

Deciding when to enroll your child in kindergarten is a pivotal decision, particularly for parents of children with late birthdays. The practice of postponing kindergarten enrollment by one year, commonly known as "academic redshirting," has been the subject of extensive research. This article examines the empirical evidence on the advantages and disadvantages of delaying kindergarten entry, focusing on both immediate and long-term social and academic outcomes. And below, I've listed some great questions to ask yourself about your specific situation.  It's a big decision, for sure!

Pros of Delaying Kindergarten

Enhanced Self-Regulation and Attention

Research indicates that delaying kindergarten can lead to significant improvements in a child's self-regulation and attention span. A study conducted by Stanford University found that a one-year delay in kindergarten enrollment reduced inattention and hyperactivity by 73% at age 11, effectively eliminating the likelihood of an average child having an above-normal rating for inattentive-hyperactive behavior.

cepa.stanford.edu

Academic Achievement

Older kindergarten entrants often exhibit higher academic performance in the early grades. Studies have shown that these children tend to have an initial advantage in reading and math skills compared to their younger peers. However, it's important to note that this academic edge may diminish over time.

brookings.edu

Reduced Likelihood of Retention and Special Education

Delaying kindergarten entry may decrease the chances of grade retention and the need for special education services. Research suggests that younger students are more likely to be retained or require special education, which can have social and emotional implications.

harbor.klnpa.org

Cons of Delaying Kindergarten

Diminishing Academic Advantages Over Time

While older students may start with an academic advantage, this benefit often decreases as children progress through school. By adolescence, the age-related academic differences are typically minimal.

brookings.edu

Potential Social Implications

Being older than classmates can lead to social challenges. Some older students may feel out of place among younger peers, which could affect their social integration and self-esteem.

Delayed Entry into the Workforce

Starting school later results in a delayed high school graduation, which subsequently postpones entry into higher education or the workforce. This delay can have financial and social implications, especially if the student is ready to advance earlier.

Financial Considerations

An additional year before starting kindergarten may require another year of childcare or preschool, leading to increased expenses for families.

Considerations for Children with Potential Disabilities

Early identification and intervention are crucial for children with learning disabilities. Delaying kindergarten might postpone the diagnosis and access to necessary support services, potentially exacerbating the challenges these children face. Therefore, if there are concerns about developmental delays or disabilities, it may be beneficial to start school on time to ensure early support.

kqed.org

Questions About the Child’s Development

Emotional & Social Readiness

1. • Can my child handle frustration without frequent meltdowns?

   • Does my child separate easily from me and adapt well to new situations?

   • Can my child follow multi-step directions and routines without constant reminders?

   • Does my child engage in cooperative play with peers, or do they struggle with sharing and turn-taking?

Cognitive & Academic Readiness

1. • Is my child showing interest in letters, numbers, and books, or do they resist pre-academic activities?

   • Can my child sit and focus on an activity for at least 10–15 minutes?

   • Does my child struggle significantly with speech, language, or comprehension?

Physical & Motor Skills

1. • Can my child hold a pencil, cut with scissors, and complete simple self-care tasks like zipping a jacket?

   • Does my child have the stamina for a full school day, or do they still require naps/rest periods?

Questions About Family & Home Environment

Support at Home

4. • Am I able to provide another year of high-quality preschool, play-based learning, or structured activities at home?

   • Would delaying kindergarten cause financial hardship due to an extra year of childcare or preschool tuition?

Parental Observations

4. • Do I feel my child will thrive emotionally and socially among their peers?

   • Does my child seem eager to learn and explore new environments, or are they hesitant about structured learning?

Questions About the School & Classroom Setting

Kindergarten Expectations & Structure

6. • How academically focused is the kindergarten program—does it emphasize play-based learning, or is it highly structured?

   • What are the expectations for attention span, sitting still, and independent work?

   • How does the school support children with different levels of readiness?

Class Size & Teacher Support

6. • How large are the kindergarten classes, and what is the student-to-teacher ratio?

   • Are teachers trained to differentiate instruction for younger and older students in the same class?

Intervention & Special Education Services

6. • How does the school assess and support children who struggle academically or socially?

   • If my child has potential learning or developmental delays, will starting earlier allow for quicker intervention?

Peers & Social Environment

6. • What is the typical age range of incoming kindergarten students at this school?

   • Will my child be one of the youngest or oldest in the class?

   • How does the school foster social-emotional development and peer relationships?

Long-Term Considerations

Future Impact

• How will starting earlier or later affect my child in middle and high school, socially and academically?

• Will my child’s physical and social development align with peers when it comes to extracurriculars and sports?

• If my child starts later, am I comfortable with them graduating high school at nearly 19 instead of 18?

Look closely at your responses...

• If a few areas of Emotional & Social Readiness are "not there yet," your child may benefit from an extra year of growth.

• If "not quite there yet" in Academic & Cognitive Readiness, consider extra preschool time or interventions.

• If your child has potential developmental concerns, early intervention may be more beneficial than delaying school.

Next Steps:
📌 Talk with your child’s preschool teacher, daycare provider, or a kindergarten teacher for their perspective.
📌 Observe a kindergarten class at your child’s prospective school.
📌 Consider assessments from early childhood specialists if you have concerns about readiness.

The decision to delay kindergarten entry should be individualized, taking into account the child's unique developmental profile, family circumstances, and the specific educational environment. While there are potential benefits to delaying enrollment, such as improved self-regulation and initial academic advantages, these must be weighed against possible drawbacks, including diminishing benefits over time and delayed access to support services for children with special needs. Consulting with educators and child development specialists can provide valuable insights tailored to your child's needs.

What are your experiences with kindergarten enrollment decisions? Share your thoughts in the comments below!