Episode 27 - Early entry to kindergarten
Dr. Kristen Wynns of Wynns Family Psychology (Cary and North Raleigh) joins us to discuss the process of early entry into kindergarten, as well as factors parents should weigh when considering early entry.
Episode 28
Requirements for Early Entry
- The age of entry for kindergarten varies by state. In North Carolina the cut-off date is 5 by August 31
- There is an early entry process families can go through for children who do not make the cut-off
- IQ and achievement testing are required for early entry
- Testing must be done privately
- Child must score 98% percentile for IQ, and 98% for reading or math
- Parents must submit a portfolio work samples and letters of recommendation
- The individual school ultimately makes the final decision as to who is admitted
- Staying with peer group
- Can benefit children who are academically advanced
- Children can get frustrated when they are not being challenged
- Some bright kids can burn out or have behavior problems because they are bored
- Important to look at social and behavioral development of the child
- If a child has trouble sitting through activities, he or she may not be ready yet
- Child not have the impulse control
- Could have problems settling in
- Testing should include social/emotional factors ex. how did child separate from parents, could they sit still
- NC considers early entry the same as skipping a grade
- Worth considering how your child feel feel about possibly being a year or two younger than classmates
- How will they feel if they are physically smaller than classmates?
- How will it impact there social life later on?
- How will your child feel about being around older kids?
- Some children like being the oldest child in the class, whereas others prefer to be around older peers
- Further you get from the cut-off could be more difficult it can be for a child to start early
- Testing can give you a fuller picture of the child and help see if they would be successful
- Some communities have a lot of kids who are redshirting
- There are reading and math websites that can give information to help prepare your child for testing
- Incorporate math and literacy into every day life ex. talking about what you see when you are at the grocery store
- Inform the teacher that you are planning on starting early
- Children usually enjoy the testing process
- Explain to child that they will be going in to play games and give their mind a workout
- Keep it simple and share information you know in a child friendly way
- Try not to share your stress with them
- Can validate disappointments if they are not going to kindergarten
- Let them know fun things they can look forward to for the year
- Visit your county website for specific process for early entry
- Dr. Wynns has a new book called New Wimpy Parenting
- Tips and strategies for parents to bring power authority back to parents
- Improve listening and cooperation