Kindergarten Redshirting: Pros, Cons and Summer Birthdays

Kindergarten redshirting means waiting an extra year before starting kindergarten, even though your child is old enough. In Illinois, children can start kindergarten if they turn 5 by September 1, and they must be in school by the year they turn 6 by September 1. So a child with a summer birthday can usually start at a young 5 or wait and start at 6.

There is no single right answer. It depends on your child, the kindergarten they will attend and what they would do during the extra year.

Who usually considers redshirting?

• Children with birthdays from about May to August, who would be among the youngest
• Children who were born prematurely
• Children who seem less ready socially or emotionally, or who struggle to sit and focus
• Children with speech or developmental delays, although some do better with the extra support offered in school

Boys are held back more often than girls, and families with more resources redshirt more often.

What research says

Studies give mixed results.

• Self-control and attention: a well-known study from Stanford and Danish researchers found that starting school a year later greatly reduced inattention and hyperactivity, and the effect lasted to age 11. Children in Denmark have access to good pre-K, so the extra year was spent in a strong program.
• Academics: older children often score higher in the early grades, but many studies find the gap shrinks over the years.
• Teens and beyond: some research links being older in class to more leadership and confidence. Other research finds no lasting difference for most children.

The quality of the extra year matters. A year in a rich pre-K program is very different from a year with little structure.

Possible benefits of waiting

• More time to build attention, self-control and social skills
• Stronger fine motor skills for writing
• More confidence from being among the older children
• Time to work on a speech or developmental concern

Possible drawbacks of waiting

• Another year of child care or preschool tuition
• A child who is ready may be bored and act out
• Being much older than classmates in middle and high school
• Delaying access to free public school services, including special education evaluations through the school district
• Starting adult life a year later

Questions to ask before you decide

1. What does my child's preschool teacher see in the classroom?
2. How does my child handle separation, routines and group time?
3. Can my child focus for a short lesson and follow two-step directions?
4. What is kindergarten like at our school: full day or half day, play-based or academic?
5. How many children in the class will have summer birthdays?
6. Would my child spend the extra year in a strong pre-K or transitional program?
7. Are there concerns a pediatrician or developmental screening should look at first?

See our guide to the Illinois kindergarten age cutoff for the full rules, and ask your district about free preschool screening if you have concerns.

Readiness matters more than age

Kindergarten teachers often say the skills that matter most are not reading or counting. They look for children who can:

• Say goodbye to a parent and join the group
• Take turns and share most of the time
• Use words to express feelings and needs
• Use the bathroom independently
• Listen to a short story and follow simple directions
• Hold a crayon or pencil and try to write their name

A young child who has most of these skills is often ready, even with a summer birthday.

If you decide to wait

Make the year count. Choose a program that builds self-control, language, early math and social skills through play and projects, and gives your child new challenges so they are not repeating the same year. Keep talking with teachers about progress.

Frequently asked questions

Is redshirting allowed in Illinois?

Yes. Children can start kindergarten if they turn 5 by September 1, and must attend school starting in the year they turn 6 by September 1.

Should I redshirt my summer birthday boy?

Look at readiness, not only age and gender. Ask your child's preschool teacher what they see.

Does redshirting help long term?

Research is mixed. There is good evidence for better attention and self-control, while academic gains often fade.

What if my child struggles after starting early?

Talk with the teacher early. Some schools offer support, and some children repeat kindergarten if needed.

Kindergarten readiness at Children's Land

Children's Land offers early kindergarten (pre-K) for 4 and 5-year-olds and a private kindergarten program with a 1:10 teacher ratio and MAP testing twice a year to track progress. Our teachers are happy to talk through readiness with you. Find a location or contact us.

Related reading: Illinois Kindergarten Age Cutoff: The September 1 Rule.