The information in this booklet has been developed in response to the many questions and concerns of parents whose children are nearly old enough to enter kindergarten in Nebraska. Questions answered include: What is kindergarten? When may a child enter kindergarten? Are children required to begin school when they turn 5-years-old? What about screening children before kindergarten? What is meant by readiness? Wouldn't many children benefit by waiting until they are 6-years-old to begin kindergarten? Do children who have attended preschool have an advantage in kindergarten? What is developmental kindergarten? How do young children's experiences in kindergarten help them later in school? Do kindergarten experiences help children in subjects like reading, mathematics, and science? What does play have to do with learning? Should reading be taught in the kindergarten? Is the trend toward all-day, alternate day kindergarten harmful to children? (RH)