45°
The Stamford School Readiness Council is all about helping prepare youngsters for school. So council members and parents of young children were naturally concerned when the State Board of Education recently voted to raise the cutoff age for kindergarten enrollment.
Parents are anxious about the issue, said Bridget Fox, SRC chairperson. There are obviously pros and cons. Its something we want to take a closer look at and see how it affects Stamford.
To do that, the council wants to hold an open meeting early next year to discuss issues related to the boards move and possible domino effects. The event is in the planning stages and a main speaker and other potential presenters have not yet been selected, said Fox.
What were planning to do in Stamford is bring in someone whos more of an expert for a parent forum in February, she said.
Currently, children attending kindergarten must turn 5 years old no later than Jan. 1. The State Board of Educations vote would move that date up to Oct. 1. The new policy, which must be approved by the General Assembly, would be phased in over four years.
While some parents want their children to get an early start in kindergarten, others prefer just the opposite for their children and delay entry. Reasons for the latter are varied. They include a desire by parents to give their child an eventual physical advantage in sports.
Proponents of the measure say Connecticuts current kindergarten age span -- between 4 ½ and 6 ½ -- is just too broad to be conducive to optimal teaching. They argue that a smaller age range translates into more focused, effective teaching and learning.
Do you have a child who would be affected by the new policy if it is approved by the General Assembly? What questions would you like to have answered at the Stamford forum?
Click here to follow Daily Voice Stamford and receive free news updates.
