Can I hold back my girl for kindergarten in NYC ?

My daughter was born at the end of Nov 2003, so according to the NYC age guidelines, she should start kindergarten this Sep of 2008. I want to hold her back one year, because she's only 4 1/2 and I don't think she's mature enough for kindergarten. The public school for which I'm zoned told me when I called them at the beginning of the year that I could hold her back, so I didn't put her in kindergarten, but now when I called them again to ask about registration for kindergarten for next year, they told me that I cannot do that, if I bring her in next Sep they'll put her straight to first grade. I don't want her to start first grade at 5 1/2, I don't know what to do, as they are not giving me any choice and the classes have already started. They told me that kindergarten is not mandatory, but is recommended, so I don't understand why is mandatory to put her in at 4 1/2. I've heard some public schools let you do it, but this school doesn't want to. Do you know what kind of lawyerI cn ask

Parent Answers to "Can I hold back my girl for kindergarten in NYC ?"

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No, in NY you can not hold her back. I wanted that for my son, but he will have to go with kids that were born
that same year, for him it is 2005. He is from November
so starting pre-k he won't be even 4.

My daughter turned 5 during kindergarten and didn't have a hard time at all. It is usually us parents who have anxiety about giving our children some independence. The teachers are aware of how young the kids are and are very helpful. As long as your child can potty on their own, they are good to go. There will probably be tears the first day and some kids were still crying after a month but most get there, make friends and never want to stay home. It would be good to start with kindergarten so your child isn't behind the others. Kindergarteners are learning alot and make alot and are very social. It isn't like when we went to kindergarten. The kids are writing, reading, adding, subtracting, learning money, telling time, participating in gym and art and music. They get lessons in health and about their environment. Most importantly they learn how to interact with one another and behave in a class environment. Don't underestimate your child and don't give in to your anxiety.

Technically a child should be registered in school when they are 6 years old - kindergarten is not mandatory. Please refer to Dept of Education website www.schools.nyc.gov

I could tell you that would be a bad idea to keep her out. why don't you try first than take it from their. My daughter was in pre-k at the age of 4 also, her birthday is in march. now is in 8th grade doing great. she is a year ahead, and she loves school why are you making such a big deal about it. give your daughter the chance.
she will do better than you think...,they will only know what we show them. give her the chance.
Best Wishes

I dont know too much about how schools work with this but I didnt go to kindergarden.. I went directly to 1st grade, I think my mother wanted it this way.. anyway I came out just fine, I believe it didnt affect me at all.. I now have a daughter, she is 2, and I am debating if I should put her in K or not.. she is very smart and I am homeschooling her.. she knows most of ther colors and counts to 10.. we are doing shapes and a,b,c's now.. I personally think I will teach her as much as I can and then when she is 5 I will bring her to the board of ed to see if they can give her a placement test to see where she could start.. maybe she wont have to go to K and just start 1st grade.. I dont know how mature is your child but I think you should let her try and see if she can keep up with 1st grade classes..

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