This paper arose out of a research brief undertaken for a UK local education authority that is currently considering the option of introducing a policy of single-point entry for Reception children. This increasing trend has particular significance in the light of dramatic changes in the early years sector, not least the proposals for a new Early…

This article reports on the results of a study in which performances of kindergarten tasks by early entrants to kindergarten and regular-age entrants were compared at the end of the school year. The need for research-based criteria for success in kindergarten for males and females is explored. (DF)

A review of literature on the effects of age of entry to infant schools showed that a majority of studies found differences in performance between the oldest and youngest children. One large-scale study determined that preschool education is an overriding factor in performance. (Author/SK)

Discusses background information, research, and educational implications related to kindergarten readiness. Topics that receive particular attention are testing, placement, and curricular practices and age of entry into school. (BB)

This monograph presents information to help educators consider how to determine the best age for each child to begin his or her formal schooling. Trends in state requirements for school entrance age are described, and research in areas such as mental age, reading readiness, child development, screening instruments, and experimental preschool…