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Early Entrance to Kindergarten - page header image

Early Entrance
to Kindergarten
Resources

Early Entrance to Kindergarten - page header image

Early Entrance
to Kindergarten
Resources

What is Early Entry to Kindergarten?

early entrace kindergarten testing cary nc raleigh

The North Carolina Public School cutoff date for kindergarten entry throughout the state is August 31, to include Wake, Durham, Guilford, Orange, Lee, Harnett, Chatham, and Johnston counties. If your child will not yet be 5 years old at this time, and reached their fourth birthday by April 16th, and you feel he or she is ready for kindergarten, consider kindergarten readiness testing. Wynns Family Psychology has extensive experience and expertise with preschoolers and academic evaluations, including early entry to kindergarten, also referred to as readiness for kindergarten testing in NC.

 

 

 

early entry kindergarten testing cary nc raleigh

Should I Try to Send My Child to Kindergarten "Early?"

Many parents with September/October babies assume their child will start kindergarten during the fall of their 5th birthday. But at some point they realize, “Oh no, my kid misses the cutoff and can’t go to kindergarten!  Oh wait, he can, but he has to get tested!  But what kind of test!?”  For some parents, just researching the early entry process is overwhelming, so they decide to send their child to preschool for another year.  For others, they want to do whatever it takes to get their child into kindergarten as soon as possible.  But most parents seem to fall somewhere in the middle, having mixed feelings on the subject and a lot of questions. “Should I go through this kindergarten evaluation process to see if my child qualifies? Is it helpful to try to send my child "early?" I’ve heard my child has to be a genius to get in, so what’s the point?” Parents often need experienced guidance in sorting all of this out, and that's where we come in.  As a practice that specializes in child testing and does a ton of Early Kindergarten Entry Testing every year, we help parents talk through these issues and concerns, and sort through the myths, rumors, and opinions out there. An in-person consult is always the best way to get the most current information and accurate recommendations for your child, but there are some general pros and cons to consider.

What are the Pros and Cons of Early Kindergarten Entry?

It's important to provide a challenging environment and enriching curriculum when your child is ready for the next stage of learning, but his or her emotional, social, and behavioral maturity are also important considerations.

Advantages of Starting Kindergarten “Early”

  • Providing the challenging and enriching curriculum for which a child is ready. If a child is bright and ready for the next stage of learning, it is important to provide that challenging environment at the right time.
  • Hitting the “window” for a child’s excitement and readiness. Many times a child who will be turning five in September or October has been anticipating going to kindergarten at age 5. Many of his peers are going to kindergarten this year and it’s helpful to enroll a child when he is excited and ready to go to “big school.”
  • Financial – no more paying for expensive daycare and preschool.
  • Time – Your child would be taken care of for 6-7 hours a day now leaving more time for parents to work, focus on other siblings, clean the house, get coffee…you get the idea.

Disadvantages of Starting Kindergarten “Early”

kindergarten readiness testing cary nc raleigh

  • If the child is immature emotionally, socially, or behaviorally, you may be setting your child up for failure or frustration. If your child has demonstrated in preschool or daycare, he is not able to sit and attend to a lesson, get along well with peers, or transition easily from one activity to the next, he may be put in a situation for which he is not ready, and it may set his entire educational experience off to a negative start. (Let alone this child will cause problems for the teacher and the other students who have to deal with his behavior.)
  • If the child is not ready academically, again, she will be set up for a very frustrating year. If she is consistently requiring extra attention from the teachers because she does not understand the material, she is likely to develop a negative attitude towards school.
  • If for whatever reason, your child is not developmentally ready for kindergarten, you may see other behavioral or emotional problems pop up (i.e., your child acts out because he is not ready for the structure and expectations of kindergarten.)

Learn More About Early Entrance to Kindergarten Testing

Wynns Family Psychology provides consultations and testing for kindergarten readiness to help parents determine if their child should enroll in kindergarten “early” or wait another year. Contact us, check out our kindergarten resources below, and visit our Early Entrance to Kindergarten Testing page to learn more...

 

 

Kindergarten Readiness Information for North Carolina Counties

Wake County NC — Early Kindergarten Entry
Durham County NC — Early Kindergarten Entry
Orange County NC — Early Kindergarten Entry
Johnston County NC — Early Kindergarten Entry
Person County NC — Early Kindergarten Entry
Guilford County NC — Early Kindergarten Entry
Charlotte / Mecklenberg County NC — Early Kindergarten Entry
Lee County NC — Early Kindergarten Entry
Granville County NC — Early Kindergarten Entry
Caswell County NC — Early Kindergarten Entry
Harnett County NC — Early Kindergarten Entry
Chatham County NC — Early Kindergarten Entry
Franklin County NC — Early Kindergarten Entry

 

 

 

Early Entrance to Kindergarten Resources & Articles

Children Resources

  • Is your child ready for kindergarten

    Having the legislature set a date for kindergarten eligibility doesn’t keep parents from struggling with the question of whether or not their individual child is ready to start school.

  • What You Should Know About Free Range Parenting

    Would you let your 10-year-old take a public bus alone? Or would you allow your 7-year-old to ride in an elevator without you? Many parents who embrace so-called free-range parenting would say, "Why not?"

  • Early entry to Kindergarten - DCDC Podcast

    Discovery Child Development Center Podcast 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.

  • NBC17 My Carolina - Wynns discusses early Kindergarten

    Dr. Kristen Wynns from Wynns Family Psychology joins us with some expert advice on how to determine if your kid is ready to start Kindergarten in the fall, She’s also sharing details on an upcoming Kindergarten Fair where you can find all the help, resources and FREE screenings you’ll need.

  • CharlotteParent.com - Kindergarten Readiness Redshirt or Enroll

    Determining the right time to enroll your future kindergartner

  • Is Your Tween In a Relationship?

    If so, it's important to be clear about your rules.

  • Does Long-standing Sibling Rivalry Really Have An Impact On A Marriage?

    So where does sibling rivalry start in the first place? According to academic professionals at the University of Michigan Health System, the most fundamental effect and characteristic of sibling rivalry is jealousy. Constant arguments between siblings create a strong feeling of tension in the household that's felt by everyone. It's also been suggested that rivalry between siblings has...

  • No Wimpy Parenting

    Is There a Difference Between Teasing and Bullying?

  • Oppositional Defiance Disorder

    How to identify and manage a child who has it

  • A Little Confidence Goes a Long Way

    Raising confident teens and tweens

  • Survival Skills Camps

    Go beyond basic training

  • Family Meetings – Ugh!

    It would be nice to sit down with everyone for dinner or a discussion, but with everyone’s busy lives, is rounding up the family for some time together even possible? Dr. Kristen Wynns returns to the show to share her tips on working family time into a hectic schedule and discusses the importance of regular family communication (including the kids) on your marriage.

  • Coping With Your Child's Behavioral And Emotional Issues

    Children can place stress on any marriage, and when kids are dealing with behavioral or emotional problems, it can often be even more trying on the parents. Dr. Kristen Wynns returns to discuss some of the differences between chronic problems and those that are a natural part of development, as well as what parents can do to make sure the special needs of their children don’t take a toll on...

  • The Effects Of Marital Conflict On Your Kids

    Is conflict in your marriage taking a toll on your children? Even if the arguments take place behind closed doors, they can still impact your kids. Dr. Kristen Wynns discusses some tactics parents often use without realizing the effects and how parents can resolve conflicts in a constructive manner that provides a positive behavioral model for their children.

  • The No Wimpy Parenting Handbook

    An Easy Guide For Reclaiming Your Parenting Power. Are you frustrated and at the end of your rope when it comes to parenting? The No Wimpy Parenting Handbook is a must-have resource for parents who are tired of having no power in their own homes! The No Wimpy Parenting handbook is meant to empower parents with easy tips and effective strategies to transform their homes. There is an epidemic...

  • When Your Kid Sees the Glass Half Empty

    Does your child or teen tend to take a negative perspective on every schoolyard scenario?

  • Counsel on Giving Counsel

    Even though offering up good advice seems like a prerequisite for being a good friend, it's sometimes harder than we think.

  • When Your Kids are Begging for a Pet

    There are countless upsides to owning a furry friend (other than all the cuddles & kisses). Taking care of a pet has been shown to help children feel compassion for animals, people, and even themselves. In this hectic world, it's also nice that petting a dog or cat is linked to lower stress and better mental health. But before you run to a shelter or pet shop, ask yourself:

Resource Library

View all of the Wynns Family Psychology resource content in the main Resources section. Articles, webinars, videos and more!.
WFP Resource Library

Get In Touch - Information & Scheduling

Call 919-467-7777 or email Info@WynnsFamilyPsychology.com to schedule an appointment or to learn more about our therapy services, testing services, social skills groups, custody services, and team of psychologists and therapists. You can also complete our new client inquiry form to get started.

Most new clients are scheduled for their first full appointment at the Cary, Raleigh, or Greensboro, NC office locations within one to two weeks of calling. We also offer telehealth for those who prefer to have virtual sessions from home, school, or the office.

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