Posters and flyers at schools across the state are encouraging families to attend kindergarten open houses this spring, leading some parents to wonder whether to sign up their youngsters for the next school year.

Generally, parents can take the lead in making the decision.  Parents should visit the school, meet the teachers and even spend some time with their child in the classroom to see how he deals with the experience.  After all, kindergarten is one of the most important grades in elementary school.

The Young Child: Social Development Is Important

Sending a child who still watches Sesame Street and Blues Clues off to school can leave parents’ stomachs in knots. The decision may be even harder for parents whose offspring are still 4 when the school bells ring in August, even though children in some states can attend kindergarten if they are 5 by Dec. 1.  For many schools, issues like kindergarten readiness are hotly debated topics.

But research suggests it’s not always best to wait until a child is older to start kindergarten. That’s because kindergarten is meant as a place where children can learn basic skills that will carry them through the rest of their education.

“There’s no magical moment or condition that says your child is exactly ready,” said Alan Simpson of the National Association for the Education of Young Children.

Instead, parents should consider how well a child is progressing in preschool, whether she gets along with other children and how excited she is about going to kindergarten.

How the School Itself Factors In

“It’s important to recognize that the question about readiness is a two-way street,” Simpson said. “It’s not just whether your child is ready for kindergarten, but whether your kindergarten is ready for your child.”

Most schools are expected to teach children of different skill levels when they enter kindergarten. Parents are encouraged to get involved in their children’s schools – through volunteering or parent groups – and to communicate their children’s needs to their teachers.

Here are some helpful links for information about kindergarten readiness:

National Association for the Education of Young Children

Parents as Teachers