To Redshirt or Not to Redshirt: A Parent's Guide to Starting Kindergarten

For children with a summer or early fall birthday, the choice on when to start Kindergarten can be a tough one.

As the school year ends, many parents of late summer/early fall birthday children are wrestling with a significant decision: Is my child going to be ready for kindergarten in one year, or should we consider "redshirting" them, giving them an extra year before they begin Kindergarten?

This isn't a one-size-fits-all answer, and the "right" choice is deeply personal, depending entirely on your unique child and family circumstances. My son, for example, has a late June birthday and we decided to have him go to a Jr Kindergarten program and not start Kindergarten until he is 6 but my daughter has a late April birthday and went at 5. Let's explore the potential upsides and downsides of redshirting to help you navigate this important choice.

The Case For: Why You Might Consider Redshirting

Parents often opt for redshirting with the hope of giving their child a bit more time to grow in all areas, and there are some compelling reasons why this extra year can be beneficial:

• Increased Maturity (Social, Emotional, Cognitive): This is perhaps the most cited pro. An additional year can dramatically improve a child's ability to self regulate, follow instructions, manage their emotions, and interact effectively with peers. A more mature child often transitions to kindergarten much more smoothly.

• Academic Confidence: Starting kindergarten as one of the older students in the class can provide a slight initial academic advantage. This early success can foster confidence, making them more engaged and enthusiastic learners from the start.

• Improved Self Regulation: An extra year of development often leads to a longer attention span and better impulse control, essential skills for navigating the structured environment of a kindergarten classroom.

• Long Term Development: It is easy to make this decision only thinking about your child in this current age and grade. One of the things I really encourage parents to do when making this choice is to think about how this placement will affect the child long term. Do you want them to be the oldest child or the youngest, getting their driver's license first or last, graduating high school at 17 or 18 - and all the things that go along with that.

  
  

The Other Side of the Coin: Potential Downsides of Redshirting

While the pros can sound appealing, it's crucial to consider the potential drawbacks.

• Potential for Boredom: I have heard some drawbacks discussed but the only one I have seen really affect students in the classroom is this. If your child is already intellectually and socially ready for kindergarten, an extra year of Pre-K could lead to boredom, disengagement, or a feeling of being unchallenged. If you have a very mature child that is socially and academically ready, I usually see this in second+ children, holding them another year could lead to boredom and I have seen behavior issues arise because they aren't challenged.

• Increased Cost: Another year of preschool or childcare can represent a significant financial burden for families. We do have the Universal Pre-K program in Colorado that is meant to off-set this, but that is not the case in all states.

  
  

Making the Best Choice for Your Child

Ultimately, the decision to redshirt is deeply personal. We are fortunate to have dedicated early childhood educators who can provide invaluable insights. I highly recommend:

• Consulting with your child's Pre-K teacher: They spend significant time with your child and can offer professional observations on their social, emotional, and academic readiness.

• Trusting your parental instinct: You know your child best. Observe their curiosity, their ability to follow directions, their social interactions, and their overall enthusiasm for learning.

• Consult an Expert: I have supported families in observing their child in their Pre-K classroom and using Allied Education's Kindergarten Readiness Survey, to help families come to a decision on when to begin Kindergarten. I also help observe and evaluate preschool programs on that Jr Kindergarten class and whether it is a good fit for their 5 year old, should they choose to go that route.

There's no universally "correct" path. The goal is to set your child up for success and a positive, confident start to their educational journey and long-term success, whenever that may be.