Kate, where did you get those dates ? What makes that confusing is the Jan to April birthdates. As kindergarten teachers we are trying to encourage parents to think carefully about children with birthdates from Jan to April. For example in Victoria if your child turns 4 on the 25th April they are eligble to attend 4year old kinder, however they will be the youngest in the group and most of the other children will be turning 5 that year. We recomend discussing your child's situation with your kindergarten teacher. Perhaps it would be better to send you child as they turn 5 on the 25th April. Current Research from tasmania (Australian Early Childhood Journal "Every Child") shows the younger children don't cope as well when they start school. I know there still has to be youngest children in the group, but if you have the option why make things harder. It is also particulary important decision for boys. Girls with the same birthdate can be up to 6mths advanced than a boy in their development. All children progress and mature at different rates, for example some walk at 10months up to 18months for others. At kindergarten we asses school readiness in the areas of social, emotional , physical, thinking and communication skills. Sorry this got so long. Shiona Passionate Early Childhood Teacher and mother of three boys all at school.