No matter how many statistics we run on the effects of starting or holding children back from starting kindergarten, we still have to allow for the human factor. Statistics, no matter how good are still just a series of numbers. Every person does not conform to the standard mold, and we must take that into consideration when making decisions that will affect a person's life for years to come.

When school started a few years ago, my son and daughter-in-law were faced with this problem. They had already picked out a school, filled out the paperwork and were happily awaiting the day their daughter would start kindergarten.

My granddaughter had been telling everyone all summer that she would start school in September and two weeks before the first day of school, the bomb dropped. The school administrator had reviewed all the applications and decided that her birthday being five days past the cutoff date prevented her from starting school.

I searched statues and contacted the administrator with the official ruling for our state that stated a child could start up to three months past the cutoff date if it could be shown that holding them back could be detrimental to their progress.

My granddaughter had been tested and her results were in the top percentile. She was definitely ready to start school. Still the Administrator refused to budge.

Having gone through the same issue with my son, many years ago, I decided to contact his old school district. It was comforting and a little disconcerting to find out the principal still had a vivid memory of me. Of course, being one of the few parents who always showed up when contacted and even when I wasn't, and drilled all the teachers concerning my son's progress, had left a strong impression on the entire staff.

The principal informed me that a new school had been built that was closer to our house and that I would need to contact them. Armed with the list of names that he gave me, we set out to do battle.

After several phone calls between the school administrator, school board members, the district and eventually escalating it to the Superintendent himself, the green light was given to enroll her in kindergarten.

We had to take everything into consideration when making this decision and it would not have been the right one for every child. But, for my granddaughter, who held the honor of being named the best reader in her class, it was the right choice.

Learn more about this author, Brendalyn Martin.
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