Kindergarten

I am quite distressed to read Assembly person George Runner’s [article] in which he proposes to change the kindergarten entrance date from Dec. 1 to Sept. 1 (“Kindergarten Cutoff Date Sets Some Kids Up for Failure,” July 25).

Runner hails his proposal as an alleged revenue generator. However, he fails to point out that the financial burden will ultimately fall on taxpaying parents who would be forced to pay for an additional year of day-care and / or nursery school.

Practically speaking, Runner’s proposal would make it so many children were almost 19 when they graduated from high school. This may likely set children up for failure by holding them back and preventing a natural transition into adulthood. Runner fails to mention the scores of children with autumn birthdays who perform well under current entrance date requirements.

The real issue isn’t student readiness for kindergarten; it is the overcrowding of schools in many areas and lack of qualified teachers. The solution may well be found in solving overcrowding and hiring more teachers, not preventing children from beginning kindergarten when they should. For children who have learning problems, addressing their needs in a supportive environment and in a timely fashion will be more beneficial than putting them off for a year.

HEATHER R. MOSS, Granada Hills

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I emphatically agree with Runner’s legislation to change the kindergarten cutoff date. The studies and research quoted support our position, but the most critical reason for the change was not emphasized. Quite simply, parents of 4-year-olds with autumn birthdays have to consider the reality of the future: Do they want their children to graduate from high school and enter college at 17? The answer is that the vast majority of young people are not mature enough or emotionally prepared for college at 17, even if they were successful students at the high school level!

RAN BIRKINS, Woodland Hills

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I taught kindergarten for 30 years and know that children’s muscular development is just as important in learning to read as in learning to walk. Too often parents are so eager for their children to read that they forget this. Four-year-olds should be encouraged in activities that strengthen the large muscles. They may be discouraged from ever learning to read if they are forced into it before they are ready. I hope this legislation will be supported as children should not have to repeat kindergarten because of physical immaturity.

LOIS ROSETT, Valley Glen