Starting school is a big and exciting step! It is normal for both children and parents to feel a mix of excitement and a little bit of worry.
Under the BC School Act, families can choose to enroll their child in kindergarten the year they turn five, or wait and start school the following year if they feel their child would benefit from a little more time to grow and get ready.
If you’re unsure which option is best for your child, connect with your local school or early learning team. They can help you explore what will best support your child’s readiness, confidence, and success.
What is School Age? The age between the date on which a person is permitted under section 3 (1) of the School Act to enroll in an education program provided by a board and the end of the school year in which the person reached the age of 19.
“A parent of a child referred to in subsection (1) (a) of the School Act may defer the enrolment of the parent’s child until the first school day of the next school year.”
Option
What it Means
Possible Benefits
Things to Consider
Start Kindergarten at Age 5
(Typical Entry)
Your child starts school in September the year they turn 5
• Learns routines and makes friends early
• Begins learning foundational skills with peers
• Access to support and resources through the school system
• Some children may find full days or social expectations challenging at first
• Emotional readiness can vary widely
Flexible or Gradual Entry
Starting with shorter days or partial weeks before full-time school
• Extra time for emotional, social, or physical growth
• May enter school feeling more confident and independent
• Additional time for some play-based learning at home, in preschool, or daycare
• May not be available in all schools
• Families need to coordinate schedules
Delay Entry by One Year
(Start Grade 1 at Age 6)
You choose to wait one year before your child begins school
• Child may be the same age as their class cohort throughout their educational journey
• Extra time for emotional, social, or physical growth
• May enter school feeling more confident and independent
• Additional year for play-based learning at home or in preschool
• May miss a year of early learning experiences with peers
• Family needs to plan for child care, early years programing or preschool for the extra year
Delay Entry by One Year
(Placement to be determined closer to first school day of next school year, in consultation with school principal)
You choose to wait one year before your child begins school.
• Extra time for emotional, social, or physical growth
• May enter school feeling more confident and independent
• Additional year for play-based learning at home or in preschool
• Child may be older than their class cohort throughout their educational journey
• May miss a year of early learning experiences with peers
• Family needs to plan for child care, early years programing or preschool for the extra year
Kindergarten programs are supportive of all children, whether they are four years old or approaching the age of six when they start. The continuum of learning in the primary years is deliberately broad, as young learners all reach the developmental milestones in their own time and pace. Many students who some may assume are behind at school entry, catch up with peers given time and opportunity to practice new skills with others.
The Decision
If a family is considering delaying school start, we request that they speak to their catchment area school principal directly in order to make the best decision for their child. The principal will listen to your concerns, answer questions, present options and explain the pros and cons. There are many pieces to consider regarding your child’s journey through the education system. Deferring entry does not guarantee improvement for your child. This is a decision that requires careful consideration.
Process
1) If you are thinking about delayed entry to kindergarten, the first step is to meet with your child’s catchment school principal. It is important to note that cases for delayed entry are considered on a case-by-case basis and this meeting is the starting place for meaningful conversations on programming, options for future placement and educational considerations. This conversation may also include a discussion on programing that would be provided at home, if delayed entry is being considered.
2) School principals may consult with school-based teams and/or the Early Learning District specialist, on delayed entry requests.
3) Upon returning to school following a delayed entry year, it is presumed that your child will be placed in grade 1 with their age group peers. Should you wish at this time to have a kindergarten entry considered for your child, it is required that you meet with your child’s catchment area school principal.
