Official eligibility first
Starting-age and compulsory-schooling rules are jurisdiction-specific, deterministic and versioned. The public summaries link to state and territory government authorities. Non-standard options are flagged for confirmation rather than presented as automatic choices.
Observations, not a diagnostic score
Parent observations and optional educator observations are kept as distinct sources. Relative age, communication style or the ordinary use of supports do not automatically justify waiting. The model is designed to expose missing or conflicting information.
What the Decision Plan means
The Decision Plan offers a current direction where an ordinary comparison is feasible, reasons for and against that direction, what might change it, and preparation or review actions. A balanced or insufficient-information result is a legitimate outcome.
Validation boundary
The directional model uses prototype heuristics. It has not been prospectively or psychometrically validated to predict the best start year or later outcomes. StartYear is not a school readiness assessment, diagnosis or enrolment authority.
Sources and review
Jurisdiction guidance was reviewed against government sources on 4 October 2026. Rule changes, exceptions and practical local enrolment requirements can occur; always check the relevant department and school before acting.
StartYear is built by Digitalis Health Pty Ltd. Questions about the product, privacy or a correction can be directed to contact@digitalis.com.au.