How can you best be an advocate for your child when it comes to kindergarten readiness? Should you push them ahead or stay in preschool another year?

How do you choose the right school?

These were a few of the concerns that north Seattle parents had last week at Faith Lutheran Church where a panel of experts shared their thoughts and answered questions on kindergarten readiness.

Henrik Ivarsson, a Ballard dad, is concerned about his 5 year old son starting kindergarten in the fall.

"It takes a long time for him to feel safe... kindergarten is going to be very tough," said Ivarsson.

"I'm concerned about five full days a week with me not there at all,"said Wallingford mom Toby Jarman.

The panelists agreed that the decision of when to send your child to kindergarten is a case-by-case choice.

"They (the children) don't have to be perfectly ready," according to Allison VanDoren, a kindergarten teacher. "If they can listen and pay attention in large groups as well as function in small groups of peers, they are ready."

Laura Spangenberg, an experienced parent, encouraged parents to do their research and tour schools this winter to prepare for fall next year.

If parents are considering kindergarten, but aren’t sure if their child will be ready, they should register anyway. It's easier to change your mind after enrolling your child than it is to enroll last minute, said Spangenberg.

With limited public school choices due to crowded schools, many parents are concerned about the quality of education their child will receive at a second or third choice school.

VanDoren encouraged parents to get involved, whether or not their child was placed in the top choice school.

"Your school is what you make of it," she said. "Be an active parent."

Matt Kreiter, a Cooperative preschool teacher, assured parents that north Seattle has great public schools.

"Wherever you end up in the north end, you're going to end up in a good situation," he said.

Contact Liz Sternberg at liz.sternberg@yahoo.com.