Preschool advise anyone

[pixiegunn 0]

Just my perspective. Here in Massachusetts, the cut-off date is September first. Growing up in Ontario, it was whatever year you were born (so I was born in '81, and those born in January were the oldest in the class and those born in December were the babies of the class), so this whole cut-off thing is a bit odd to me still.

I teach preschool, and parents of summer babies often want to know whether they should hold their child back a year (start kindergarten at 6 rather than be the youngest 5 in the class).

My biggest consideration for parents asking that question is not academic by any stretch: it's behavioral and social (barring, of course, any developmental disabilities or other similar factors). If a child can handle sitting for extended periods of time, get involved in activities for extended periods of time, has appropriate social skills and seems like a five year old (no more tantrums, comfortable away from parents etc.) then I generally have few qualms about their child entering kindergarten. Their emotional and behavioral development trumps their academic skills, as once they are interested and ready, learning letters, numbers and core concepts are a snap. I wish you luck finding the best placement....there are lots of good PreK programs around here, but I suppose no public PreK's in your area?

[greeneyedgirlfl 0]

I have seen 4-5 year olds ready for kindergarten, and I've seen 6 year olds that were nowhere near ready...I completely agree, emotional/behavioural maturity is the key!