This article: (1) profiles kindergarten policies and practices currently implemented in district schools; (2) analyzes the research supporting the major policy alternatives for six common kindergarten and school entry age issues that all school districts must address; and (3) identifies the optimum policy option alternative for each issue based on the analyses. The six issues are entry age, placement criteria, retention practices, reading instruction, teaching strategies and instructional resources, and length of kindergarten day. Three alternative policies are identified for each issue. Taken as a whole, the recommended policy alternatives provide a model for early childhood education for schools and districts. The policies define a developmentally appropriate kindergarten curriculum which should optimize the early learning and future achievement level of all children. A total of 102 references are cited. The Innocence Rating Scale for school district kindergarten policy options is provided. (RH)