Michigan allows a child who is five years old on or before December 1 to sign up for kindergarten.
Kindergarten is a one-school-year program before first grade.
Starting kindergarten may be a time of concern for some families and teachers.
If you are thinking about sending your child to developmental kindergarten, you should know these things:
- Developmental kindergarten is intended to provide children who are not ready an extra year of schooling.
- Children who attend developmental kindergarten and then go on to kindergarten have school records that indicate they were retained.
- It is not true that holding your child back will help him/her socially or academically or to have success in sports.
- In fact, research shows that children who attended developmental kindergarten and then kindergarten have no long-term gains.
- Children who attended two years of kindergarten may have lower self-esteem and are 30 percent more likely to drop out of high school.
- Age does not matter in an appropriate kindergarten.
- Kindergarten should be ready to support all children.
- School success differences between the oldest and youngest children in a class tend to disappear by third grade.
- Teachers and parents tend to hold back the youngest children.
Advice to families:
- Become familiar with the kindergartens in your area. Are the staff members ready to meet the needs of ALL children?
- Find out why families are holding their children back.
- Keep the future in mind. How old will your child be in middle school? At what grade will he/she be old enough to drive? At what age will your child graduate from high school?
Reprinted with the permission of the Michigan Department of Education. © 2001-2007 State of Michigan
Add your own comment
Ask a Question
Have questions about this article or topic? Ask150 Characters allowed
Today on Education.com
SUMMER LEARNING
June Workbooks Are Here!
TECHNOLOGY
Are Cell Phones Dangerous for Kids?
Popular Articles
Wondering what others found interesting? Check out our most popular articles.
- Kindergarten Sight Words List
- The Five Warning Signs of Asperger's Syndrome
- First Grade Sight Words List
- Graduation Inspiration: Top 10 Graduation Quotes
- 10 Fun Activities for Children with Autism
- What Makes a School Effective?
- Child Development Theories
- Should Your Child Be Held Back a Grade? Know Your Rights
- Why is Play Important? Social and Emotional Development, Physical Development, Creative Development
- Smart Parenting During and After Divorce: Introducing Your Child to Your New Partner

Get Active! 9 Games to Keep Kids Moving 