Specialist in Education (Ed.S.), University of Dayton, 2013, School Psychology

Every year, parents of children with late birthdays are faced with the decision to send or withhold their late birthday child from kindergarten when he or she is technically eligible to enroll. This decision can have long-term effects on a child's academic development, and is one that can weigh heavily on parents. However, to date there is no conclusive agreement regarding the efficacy of either enrolling or withholding an eligible but young child. Further, there is little research examining why some parents choose to enroll their child, while others choose to withhold their child. The present study examined the factors parents consider in their decision to enroll or withhold their child, using a qualitative design. Nine parents were interviewed to gain insight into their experiences regarding the decision-making process about kindergarten enrollment. The factors considered by parents, and how these are weighted, are discussed. The results provide a better understanding of what influences parents in choosing to enroll or withhold their late birthday child from kindergarten. Suggestions are made for school psychologists, teachers, and other professionals to better guide parents faced with this decision.

Committee: Elana Bernstein Ph.D. (Committee Chair); Susan Davies Ed.D. (Committee Member); Molly Schaller Ph.D. (Committee Member) Subjects: Early Childhood Education; Educational Psychology