Children with Problems Entering Kindergarten

My twin boys will be starting kindergarten in September. They were two months early at birth. One has a speech problem but is very smart. It's just hard to understand him. And the other one is VERY stubborn. I am afraid once they start school they may be labeled as being behind or not ready for kindergarten. Can a school kick them out and have them start the following year if the school believes that the twins are not ready? They know their colors and the alphabet. -- Ready or Not
Answer: Children are eligible for kindergarten when they reach the age mandated by a school district. We have never heard of children being dismissed from kindergarten because of a lack of readiness. A school district could suggest a pre-kindergarten class if one is available. If your children just make the age deadline. You need to find out more about the possible advantages of delaying their entrance into kindergarten.
Almost every research study on the age of entry to school concludes that the youngest children in kindergarten classes usually do not do as well as the oldest children. There is disagreement about how long the effect of being youngest lasts. Many researchers feel that by third grade, the differences due to age disappear. Others believe that some academic difficulties continue for years.
Also, are you aware that your child with the speech problem may be eligible right now for help with his speech before he even enters school? Contact your school district at once for answers to your questions.