When I went to register my eldest for JK a couple of years back I asked her teacher the same and she said that it doesn't really matter.  Even potty training wasn't a huge factor whether she will be admitted or not.  These, they understand, is the kid's pace to learn and will come in no time.  Through the schoolyear they strongly encourage parents to get involved with the kids' literacy progress and they provide tools and events.  Parent-teacher meetings & interviews are scheduled twice during the year and this is effective in assessing academic and social developments & opportunities for your kid.

Like you, I'm pretty serious with literacy so learning to read, count, and analyze (logic) were, I thought, key to survival in the real world.  Learning earlier on would be to our greater benefit.  Examples: (a) instead of crying about a spilled juice on the floor what does she do, or (b) instead of whining in the subway or car ride why not look out for numbers or small words on the streets; (c)  instead of fussing during nap time and she can't sleep why not a picture book and get snugged in a comfy corner to read.  Its exciting for her and for me.  Saved me a lot of sanity!  In JK she would read books and poster signs to her classmates and this helped her teacher too.  ;D

Kimberly O'Malley wrote:

Apparently kids are expected to know certain things BEFORE entering school. Does anyone know what you should start teaching your kids and when to start teaching it? What do you work on with your kids?

Hi,