EP. 72: Redshirting Kindergarten Part 2: How Do I Know If I Should Delay Kindergarten?

The principal is BACK. Part 1 or 2 with principal, educator and friend of the pod: Jon Arens. We are answering all ALL your questions about learning to read and starting kindergarten. Questions YOU asked and we discuss in these two episodes: 🧠 Decision-Making Factors What factors would make you consider redshirting as a good fit aside from age alone? Is it better to make the decision based on academic readiness or emotional/maturity? Does birth order influence the choice? Does research show it’s better to hold back a boy vs. a girl? Where do we draw the line? (March birthdays redshirted) HELP! 4YO July Bday. Language/reasoning/comm 💯, Social-emotional 😱 ⚖️ Pros, Cons & Impact What are the top 3 signs to redshirt? Long-term implications of 6–7-year-olds in K — does it raise expectations too much for 4–5-year-olds? Is fear of “boredom causing behavior issues” a reason NOT to redshirt? Can kids get bumped up a grade if it ends up not being a good fit? 💡 Situational Scenarios My child is smart, early Aug birthday, but can’t sit still and struggles to participate. My child can read since 2.5 and is advanced in math but struggles emotionally (Sept bday). Late August birthday — can tell social/emotional differences but not academic ones. Very extroverted, very tall, late July birthday, reading level H — teacher says she’s okay. Twins with developmental delay — early intervention or more time? Late birthday + IEP for ADHD — repeat K or will the IEP be enough for 1st? 📍 District/Policy Questions Why don’t some schools (like CPS) allow redshirting? Is it allowed in every school district? Is it really up to parents? NYC with a Dec 31 cutoff — is that developmentally inappropriate? 🛠 Practical Tips I’m holding my son back (Aug 17) and sending him to TK — tips for avoiding regression? We’re redshirting KG but likely going to 1st — what should we focus on? Should we repeat kinder in a multi-age class (K/1) or switch to a different class? When would you do it? 😅 Other I already did it. How do I explain it to him? How common is this? Did it — bad idea. Had to fight to skip ahead due to immature classmates. My answers as a principal were easier than as a parent. 00:00 Promotional Offer from a Chicago Photo Studio 00:50 What's your definition of kindergarten red shirting and why is it a big topic? 02:55 Evaluating Children's Needs Objectively 04:57 Role of Special Education in Reducing Redshirting 11:23 Speech Services in Early Childhood 12:43 Why are parents choosing to redshirt their children for kindergarten? 17:25 Community Norms and Redshirting Decisions 21:55 Benefits of Early School Entry 28:53 Does this child have siblings, and do they live in a neighborhood with lots of kids? 31:53 Accommodating Developmental Delays in Schools 36:45 What are valid reasons for a child not to attend school due to health concerns? 41:38 Embracing Childhood Beyond Structured Settings