Kindergarten

Satiria Clayton was looking forward to her 5-year-old son Cassius starting kindergarten this year in Tempe, Ariz., but the recent spike in coronavirus cases has left her, like many other parents, worried about what to expect. "In an ideal would I would love to stay at home and teach him,” she said. “The reality is I have to send him to school."
Satiria Clayton was looking forward to her 5-year-old son Cassius starting kindergarten this year in Tempe, Ariz., but the recent spike in coronavirus cases has left her, like many other parents, worried about what to expect. "In an ideal would I would love to stay at home and teach him,” she said. “The reality is I have to send him to school."
Courtesy of Satiria Clayton
Early Childhood Will Kindergartens Be Empty This Fall?
As cases of COVID-19 continue to grow, parents around the country are struggling with whether to send their child to kindergarten this fall. Some say they won't.
Christina A. Samuels, July 7, 2020
6 min read
Equity & Diversity Classroom 'Circle Time' Moves Online During Coronavirus Pandemic
Virtual face time with teachers and classmates can be comforting for young children, experts say. Still, researchers caution against too much screen time.
Sarah Schwartz, April 3, 2020
4 min read
Early Childhood Video Academic Redshirting, and Why It’s Not So Simple
Academic redshirting has benefits and disadvantages on a child’s development that parents should keep in mind.
August 27, 2019
2:40
Early Childhood EdWeek Explains: Academic Redshirting, and Why It's Not So Simple
When it comes time for elementary school, some parents decide to hold their child back a year from kindergarten. Here's some advantages--and cautions.
Teresa Johnson, August 27, 2019
1 min read
Early Childhood Could 'Redshirting' Become A Thing of the Past in Illinois?
Lawmakers in Illinois are considering a bill that would require children to start kindergarten if they are 5 on or before May 31, with exceptions for summer birthdays.
Marva Hinton, April 30, 2019
2 min read
BRIC ARCHIVE
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Early Childhood Opinion Should Children Be Ready for Kindergarten—Or Should Kindergarten Be Ready for Children?
Kindergarten readiness is highly subjective, but the concept has real consequences, writes Stanford University’s Deborah Stipek.
Deborah Stipek, March 25, 2019
4 min read
Cynthia Christopher’s kindergarten class receives chicken eggs to hatch at Stonehurst Magnet School in Sun Valley, Calif.
Cynthia Christopher’s kindergarten class receives chicken eggs to hatch at Stonehurst Magnet School in Sun Valley, Calif.
Meg Oliphant for Education Week
Early Childhood Photo Essay Teacher Keeps Up Long Tradition of Hatching Chicks With Kindergartners
Cynthia Christopher's kindergarten class receives chicken eggs to hatch at Stonehurst Magnet School in Sun Valley, Calif.
Education Week Photo Staff, March 21, 2019
2 min read
Colorado’s new Democratic governor, Jared Polis, has advocated for funds to enable all of the state's school districts to offer full-day kindergarten.
Colorado’s new Democratic governor, Jared Polis, has advocated for funds to enable all of the state's school districts to offer full-day kindergarten.
David Zalubowski/AP
Early Childhood New Governors Aim to Funnel Money Into Early Education
After campaigning on the expansion of preschool and other early-childhood programs, governors in California, Colorado, and elsewhere are reflecting those priorities in their budget pitches.
Christina A. Samuels, January 30, 2019
7 min read
Science Putting the 'E' in STEM for the Littlest Learners
Preschool and kindergarten may be the perfect time to introduce children to engineering, said educators at Boston's Museum of Science.
Brenda Iasevoli, December 20, 2018
6 min read
Teaching Kindergarten Homework: Too Much Too Early?
Listen to parents and educators, and you’ll hear some strong—and mixed—opinions on how or even whether kindergartners should get homework.
Marva Hinton, November 12, 2018
6 min read
Preschool teacher Leesandra Arreaga plays with children at the Charles B. Tisdale Early Learning Center in Bridgeport, Conn. The state has shown a notable increase in its preschool enrollment, based on data compiled by the Education Week Research Center.
Preschool teacher Leesandra Arreaga plays with children at the Charles B. Tisdale Early Learning Center in Bridgeport, Conn. The state has shown a notable increase in its preschool enrollment, based on data compiled by the Education Week Research Center.
Christopher Capozziello for Education Week
Early Childhood The Keys to Student Success Include Starting Early and Following Through
States are concentrating their policy efforts on early-childhood education as well as transitioning young adults from high school to college.
Christina A. Samuels, September 5, 2018
8 min read
Early Childhood Practicing Kindergarten: How a Summer Program Eases Kids Into Learning
The start of kindergarten can be overwhelming for students, and for their parents. In Portland, Ore., a summer program is working to ease that transition.
Lisa Stark, August 15, 2018
1 min read
Early Childhood Video Kindergarten Can Be Overwhelming - Some Educators Try to Ease the Way
Kindergarten isn’t just about crayons and nap time anymore – it’s serious academics.
August 15, 2018
7:10
Early Childhood Most States Still Don't Require Full-Day Kindergarten, Report Finds
The Education Commission of the States report on policies concerning early learning finds that only 15 states and the District of Columbia require full-day kindergarten.
Marva Hinton, July 9, 2018
2 min read