Can preschool teacher keep my son from starting kindergarten in Kentucky??

Question

His preschool teacher thinks my 4 year old might need an additional year of preschool because he can't yet write his name or cut a straight line or a circle with scissors, oh and he's also as she said "unfocused". Now from living in Missouri and Tennessee I know that up to a certain grade, 3rd maybe they need the parents permission to hold a child back. But being new here in Kentucky I don't know their policies. Can they refuse him entrance into kindergarten, if the preschool teacher thinks he isn't ready? I by the way am against him being held back, at least at this time. I would rather him do an additional year of kindegarten then wait to start all together.

Answer 1

In most states children are allowed to enter kindergarten in public schools when they are 5, regardless of their skill levels. Children who have never been in preschool or child care are allowed in without a preschool teacher's recommendation.

It sounds like the teacher has some concerns about your son's academic and fine motor skill development - which she should be qualified to recognize. Those are things you can help him with at home if you're worried that he'll be behind in school.

As for the "unfocused" issue, while she may have concerns, she's probably not a trained social work/child psychologist/developmental specialist. If you have concerns about those behaviors then have him visit a specialist who can diagnose such problems. Sometimes 4 year olds are unfocused, it's age appropriate, especially if they are bored, need more interaction, or don't like a specific activity.

I'd recommend that you follow your instincts but continue to have a polite and professional relationship with the teacher. Maybe she can recommend a specialist and some activities you can do at home to help your son.

Ultimately it sounds like you and the teacher have your son's best interests at heart, she's telling you these things because she's focused on your son's needs. But she does not have the power to stop your son from going into kindergarten.

Answer 2

I raise my 6 yr. old granddaughter who is in Kindergarten this year. I can speak from raising my two grown sons and now granddaughter, I wouldn't worry about him right now. If his behavior is a problem, talk to your doctor about that. If your preschool teacher feels that his behavior is 'holding' him back, that is entirely another issue. My granddaughter is ADHD, yes, at such a young age, as she was diagnosed at age 3yr. old. You could tell, believe me, that she was ADHD. She does have a lot of emotional problems, but that is one reason we have custody of her. If I were you, I'd work with him at home some, but don't stress out on them holding him back. I would call the school dept. and ask them if the teacher can hold him back. IS this a public preschool he's going to? IF not, I would say NO. If you're paying for preschool, it is not a requirement. Kid's first teachers are their parents, or person raising them anyway. If he's not in a "public" school, then I would say NO to holding him back. Some of the preschool teachers may not have a teaching degree if the place you have him in does not require it, so check that out too. You as the parent know what is best for your son, so go with your gut feelings. You can always hold him back in a lower grade if he is still doing so poorly, say in the 1st or 2nd grade. Preschool is to get him use to going to kindergarten, (public required school) not expecting him to act like a kindergartener! Just my opinion. molliej

Answer 3

I don't know Kentucky kindergarten laws but in Ohio, a preschool teacher (and I believe any teacher) can not force a parent to hold his/her child back.  Oh the other hand, are you sure you don't want to listen to the person who is educating your child and knows what he should and should not be doing at his age level?  I have never heard a parent regret waiting but I have sure heard a lot of parents regret pushing.  Take a step back and honestly think about your son - maybe even observe him in class.  Is he as mature and focused as the other children in his class?  Is he 'tuned in' when the teacher is talking -listening and following directions?  Kindergarten is a whole world away from preschool - that's where the pushing comes in.  good luck.

Answer 4

She can't force him to be held back, she can only recommend it. Your best bet, if your against holding him back, is to put him in kindergarten and see if the school has a tutoring program.

Answer 5

Nope, not at all.  All they need is to fit into the age bracket to enter Kindergarten.  If at the end of the Kindergarten year your child fails to reach the goals required of "passing", then they will simply take Kindergarten over.  This is SO common.  I'm with you.  I would much rather my child have 2 years of Kindergarten than 2 years of pre-K.  It just makes more sense in my opinion.

Answer 6

Find out your state's laws, but in most states, preschool and even kindergarten are not required by law. So, if they are not required, they can't keep your child from going.