Part 3 in our kindergarten readiness series: What a 13-year study says about redshirting, school entry age, and your child’s real needs.
The Big Question: Should My Child Wait Another Year to Start Kindergarten?
Each spring and summer, thousands of parents across the country face a big question:
“My child is turning five—but should I wait another year to start kindergarten?”
You might be noticing some hesitation in your child. Maybe they’re not interested in sitting still, or they still struggle with transitions. Maybe they’re one of the youngest in their preschool class—or one of the smallest on the playground. Maybe you’ve just “heard” that boys in particular should wait an extra year and you want to give your child every “advantage”. Or if a child is a year older than their peers they will be more of a leader.
You’re not alone. Delaying kindergarten—commonly called “redshirting”—has become increasingly common, especially among families who want to give their child an extra edge or a bit more time to grow.
But here’s the most important question we explore in Part 3 of our five-part series on kindergarten readiness:
Is age really the deciding factor—or is it readiness that matters most?
What Is Redshirting?
The term redshirting comes from college sports, where first-year athletes were held out of competition (often wearing red practice jerseys) to gain extra time to develop. In education, redshirting refers to delaying a child’s kindergarten entry by a year, typically when they have a summer or fall birthday and would be among the youngest in their class.
What the Research Says: Readiness > Age
The SFUSD Longitudinal Study followed hundreds of children from kindergarten through high school and found that the strongest predictor of long-term school success wasn’t a child’s age at entry—it was their readiness in key developmental areas.
Children who entered kindergarten “Fully Ready”—regardless of age—had higher test scores, stronger GPAs, better attendance, and were more likely to graduate on time.
In contrast:
- Children who entered kindergarten “Not Ready” did not catch up over time.
- Despite making progress, they maintained parallel but lower trajectories in academics and attendance throughout their school years.
- Readiness gaps identified in kindergarten remained stable or even widened into middle and high school.
Why Age Alone Isn’t Enough
It’s easy to assume that older children are automatically more prepared, but age is not a reliable indicator of readiness. Some five-year-olds may already have the attention span, language, and self-regulation needed to thrive—while others, even at six, may still be developing those foundational skills.
The SFUSD study—and others like it—suggest that:
- Delaying school without addressing readiness rarely changes a child’s learning trajectory.
- Children need targeted, intentional support in key developmental areas to benefit from extra time.
- Family engagement—not just age—is one of the most important contributors to long-term academic success.
So, How Do You Decide?
Rather than relying only on age or a calendar cutoff, ask:
“Is my child developmentally ready in the areas that matter most?”
As we explored in Part 2, those areas include:
- Self-regulation (Can they manage emotions and attention?)
- Social expression (Can they communicate and connect with others?)
- Motor and self-care skills (Can they handle classroom routines independently?)
- Kindergarten academics (Do they recognize letters, numbers, or show curiosity?)
If your child is making solid progress in most of these areas, they’re likely ready—regardless of where they fall on the age spectrum.
And if they’re not quite there yet, you can support their growth in simple, powerful ways at home or through early learning programs.
When Redshirting Might Be Helpful
While readiness—not age—is the key, there are times when delaying kindergarten with intention may be beneficial.
- When readiness gaps are clear and persistent
If your child is showing delays in self-regulation, social communication, or motor skills, and these delays are ongoing despite support, an extra year can offer valuable time to build these skills. The SFUSD study found that readiness gaps in kindergarten persisted throughout K–12 without intervention.
- When early intervention and support are part of the plan
Redshirting is most effective when the extra time is used strategically—not just to get older, but to get stronger. This might include:
- Enrolling in a high-quality preschool or transitional kindergarten (TK) program
- Working with speech, occupational, or behavioral therapists (if applicable)
- Engaging in intentional family learning activities—like daily reading, structured routines, and social play
- Accessing early intervention services, if a delay is suspected
Simply waiting without targeted support rarely improves outcomes. But structured, enriched learning experiences can lay a much stronger foundation.
- When recommended by specialists
If your child’s preschool teacher, pediatrician, or developmental specialist recommends delaying kindergarten, it’s worth exploring—with the goal of addressing specific areas of growth and ensuring they’re well supported during the extra year.
Bottom line: Age doesn’t equal readiness. But if a child has clear delays and the family can provide—or access—intentional support, a delayed start can help.
Final Thought: Start Strong, Not Just Older
The SFUSD Longitudinal Study offers an essential insight for all families:
Children do best when they start kindergarten ready to learn—not just when they reach a certain age.
If you’re considering redshirting, ask yourself:
- What specific areas does my child need to strengthen?
- What supports can we put in place this year to help them grow?
- Are we making this decision based on our child’s needs—not pressure, fear, or comparison?
With thoughtful planning and developmentally focused support, you can help your child begin their school journey with confidence—whether that’s this fall or the next.
Share your experiences with kindergarten readiness or ask questions in the mamapedia forum!
What a 13-Year Long Study Found About Kindergarten Readiness Part 1
Part 2: What Is Kindergarten Readiness, Really?
Understanding and Responding to Your Child’s Nightmares: What Parents Need to Know
Start the discussion at forum.mamapedia.com