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Trying to figure out if your child is ready for kindergarten? Here are a few things to consider:

1.) Talk to the kindergarten teachers at local schools. Check the test scores for schools in your area, and ask teachers about the criteria they use to determine readiness. What skills do they expect kids to have on the first day of school? What skills do they expect them to learn over the course of the school year?  Do students need to be able to count to 100? Read small words, or just recognize them? Write their name?

2.) Talk to your child's preschool teachers. There's more to kindergarten readiness than an ability to read or write. How is your child coping on a non-academic level? Does your child make friends easily? Can he follow directions? Does she seem bored or challenged by the work she's currently doing?

3.) How big are the kindergarten classes like in your area? The larger the class, the more difficult it is for teachers to focus on the needs of any single child. If your child needs more one-on-one attention, diving in too early could be detrimental. Also: Be sure to ask about any special services your child may need, including the availability of teachers aides or food allergy issues.

4.) How is the kindergarten structured? Full-day or half-day? Naps or no naps? Structured work and play times, or a more informal setting? If your child still needs some downtime in the middle of the day, a full-day kindergarten program might not be a good fit.