A direct answer
Is my child ready for school?
There is no single score that can answer that question. StartYear helps families consider the decision without reducing a child to a pass or fail.
Families often think about participation in everyday routines, communication, relationships, attention, independence, play and learning. These are observations to discuss in context, not a checklist a child must pass.
Areas worth developing
If something is still growing, treat it as an area worth developing: something to notice and talk about with your child's educator. It is not a pass or fail, and it is not a reason by itself to wait.
Everyday routines
What your child's daily routines look like, and what help works for them.
Communication
How your child shares what they need and understands others, in whatever way works for them.
Relationships
How your child gets along with other children and adults, at home and in early learning.
Attention
What holds your child's attention, and what helps them stay with a task.
Independence
What your child likes to do on their own, and where they still like help.
Play and learning
How your child plays, explores and tries new things.
Look at the setting, too
A child's experience depends partly on the school environment and the support available there. Needing help is not, by itself, a reason to postpone school. Ask the school what adjustments and transition arrangements are possible.
Two views of the same child
Children may behave differently at home and in early learning. Separate parent and educator observations can show agreement, differences or areas where more information is needed. Neither automatically overrides the other.
What this page does not claim
It is decision support, not a clinical or developmental diagnosis, school-readiness certification or substitute for professional advice.
No. StartYear helps you think through the decision. It isn't a medical, developmental or readiness test, and its Decision Plan doesn't predict the best start year.
Questions parents ask
Is StartYear a school readiness test?
No. StartYear helps you think through the decision. It isn't a medical, developmental or readiness test, and its Decision Plan doesn't predict the best start year.
Does being the youngest in the class mean my child should wait?
No. Being young for the class isn't, by itself, a reason to wait. The rules in your state, your child's everyday experience and the support at school all matter.
Should my child start school at five or wait until six?
Start by checking the options in your state or territory. Then think about how your child is going at home and in early learning, the support available at school, and what their educator sees. For some children, starting a year later may not be an option.
A clearer beginning
Understand the reasons, not just a score.
A considered decision can include uncertainty, practical supports and a date to review.
