Best Age to Start Kindergarten

* Regarding the April 23 article on an earlier cutoff date for birthdays for kindergarteners: I agree with the earlier date of Sept. 1. The fact that only three states have cutoff dates later than California should be a sign of the need for change. Few 4-year-olds are ready for kindergarten.

The importance of starting school with a positive experience cannot be overemphasized. Our neighbor, who started kindergarten at 4 with a November birthday, now considers himself “stupid” because he had to repeat that grade while his peers went on to first grade. Being a 4-year-old who is struggling or asked to repeat kindergarten can give the child a stigma that will last for many grades to come.

DEBBIE CASSETTARI

Chino Hills

* Maybe your children won’t be ready for school, but I think mine will. When my husband and I decided to have children, we agreed that I would stay home with them. We struggled for awhile, but with the help of our families, we’re in a better spot now. I take my children to infant classes, as well as classes through the city. My 3-year-old daughter uses the computer for her preschool programs.

I feel we put our children and their educations first, where they belong. It seems like in the ‘90s, where two-income families are the norm, parents don’t have time for much and they are trying to make up for the lack of attention to their children in any way other than making their children a priority. Leave the kindergarten age requirement where it is, and let me decide whether or not my child is ready.

WENDY BROWN

Upland