Is Your Child Ready for Kindergarten? The Pros and Cons of "Redshirting"
As the school year approaches, many parents of children with late summer or early fall birthdays face a difficult dilemma: should their child start school as soon as they are eligible, or is it better to wait an extra year? This practice, known in the United States as academic redshirting, has become increasingly common among families looking to give their children a competitive edge or extra time to mature.
While the standard entry age for most districts is five, the decision to delay enrollment can have long-term effects on a child's social, emotional, and academic trajectory.
What Exactly is Kindergarten Redshirting?
The term "redshirting" originates from college athletics, where a player is held out of competition for a year to develop their skills while extending their eligibility. In the context of early education, it means delaying a child's entry into kindergarten until they are six years old, even though they meet the local age requirement.
This is most common for "summer babies"—those born in June, July, or August—who would otherwise be the youngest in their class. By waiting, these children become the oldest, often entering the classroom with a significant developmental advantage over their younger peers.
The Pros: Why Parents Choose to Wait
For many families, the benefits of an extra year of growth are clear and immediate.
1. Physical and Motor Skill Development
A year is a lifetime in the world of early childhood development. Older children often have better fine motor skills, making tasks like holding a pencil, using scissors, and tying shoes much less frustrating. Physically, being larger and more coordinated can also boost a child's confidence on the playground and in physical education.
2. Social and Emotional Maturity
Kindergarten today is much more academic than it was decades ago. It requires children to sit still for longer periods, follow complex multi-step directions, and manage their emotions when faced with challenges. A child who is nearly six often has better "executive function" and self-regulation than a child who has just turned five.
3. Academic Confidence
Being the oldest in the class often means being at the top of the curve for reading and math readiness. This "big fish in a small pond" effect can foster a positive self-image and a love for learning that lasts throughout a student's entire academic career.
The Cons: The Hidden Downsides of Delaying
While the advantages seem intuitive, researchers and educators point to several potential drawbacks that parents should consider.
1. The "Vanishing" Advantage
Studies often show that the academic gap between redshirted children and their younger classmates begins to disappear by the third or fourth grade. By middle school, the younger students have typically caught up, and the age advantage no longer provides a significant boost in test scores.
2. Social Misalignment in Later Years
Being a year older than everyone else can become awkward during adolescence. A redshirted student will hit puberty earlier, start driving earlier, and may feel socially out of sync with their peers during high school. They will also be 19 years old when they graduate, which means they enter the workforce or college a year later than necessary.
3. Economic Impact and Childcare Costs
Holding a child back for an extra year means an additional year of paying for private preschool or daycare, which can be a significant financial burden for many families. Furthermore, it delays the child's lifetime earning potential by one year at the end of their career.
4. Risk of Boredom
If a child is academically gifted but held back for social reasons, they may find the kindergarten curriculum unstimulating. This can lead to disengagement, behavioral issues, or a lack of "grit" because they never have to struggle to master new concepts.
Is Your Child Ready? A Quick Readiness Checklist
Instead of focusing solely on the calendar, experts recommend looking at the "whole child." Consider these areas of kindergarten readiness:
Self-Care: Can they use the bathroom independently and put on their own coat?
Language: Can they express their needs verbally and follow two-step instructions?
Social: Do they show interest in playing with other children and can they share toys?
Academics: Can they recognize some letters, count to ten, and sit through a short story?
Navigating the Legal and District Rules
Before making a final decision, it is crucial to check your local school district's policy.
Compulsory Age: While you can delay kindergarten, most states have a "compulsory school age" (usually 6 or 7) by which a child must be enrolled in school.
Placement Decisions: Some districts have policies stating that if you wait until age six, the child must be placed directly into 1st Grade rather than Kindergarten.
Financial Aid: If your child has a disability or an Individualized Education Program (IEP), delaying entry might affect the timing of when they can receive state-funded services.
Making the Choice
The decision to redshirt is deeply personal and depends on your child's unique temperament and your family's circumstances. Many parents find that visiting a kindergarten classroom and speaking with the teacher provides the best insight into whether their child will thrive or struggle.
Understanding Kindergarten Age Requirements: A State-by-State Guide