In some states, parents choose to enroll their kids who have summer birthdays the next school year. Typically, these kids just turned five or six before the start of classes. While kindergarten is generally beneficial for kids, what about those who are seven when they enter kindergarten? Are they too old for this stage?
The eligible to enter or compulsory age for kindergarten
In Alaska and Idaho, kids aged five before September 1 are already eligible for kindergarten. However, kids are only required to enter kindergarten when they turn seven years old as per the 2020 State Education Practices (SEP). Meanwhile, the mandatory age in Ohio, New York, and Texas requires six-year-olds. While in Virginia, Rhode Island, and Maryland, it is already required when turning five years old.
Note that there is more to know in the educational practices in each state, whether it is about eligibility or compulsory to take kindergarten. For example, when a kinder-eligible child skips for a year in kindergarten, the parent must submit a request application or explanation to their school district. Thus, it is a significant decision to delay or make their children take kindergarten at seven.
In some cases, however, parents intentionally choose this or do academic redshirting. It has become an ideal option so young kids can have a year to prepare for kindergarten.
The pros and cons of kindergarten for the seven-year-olds
If you analyze the studies about redshirting, a seven-year-old kindergarten enjoys several advantages. One of the top noted ones is academic advancement. If they take programs such as preschool and pre-kindergarten first, they become well-prepared. They get to know the fundamental lessons like recognizing letters or counting numbers. They also have opportunities to develop further their social, physical, and cognitive skills. These moves make them ready or even excel in kindergarten, which involves an organized and challenging curriculum. Moreover, gaining some maturity also makes children carry themselves, particularly on the emotional side.
According to the report, “The Gift of Time? School Starting Age and Mental Health,” published on the National Bureau of Economic Research, hyperactivity and lack of focus is less when a child hits seven.
On the other hand, Dr. Eric Jones shared in his interview with health.clevelandclinic.org that redshirting could be beneficial in some but not in all aspects of child development. It may be offered academic advancement for certain education levels, but not long term. He also mentioned the research about students who started late in kindergarten are inclined to be undergraduates.
Several experts emphasize that parents should not delay study for the mere fact of advancement. Their choice should be according to the learning needs of their children.
Another valuable consideration is the quality of interventions before kindergarten. Seven years old or younger kids undergo several stages of development. Being the older one in the class is not always equivalent to being better in class. It is still ideal to know the potential problems of a child in learning. In that way, a parent can address these immediately and lessen the learning gaps when the kid reaches kindergarten. Programs like pre-k and preschool, so they will be at ease in learning exploration and school setup.
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