ok, even though this is a special snowflake situation, the private school where my kids go DOES have a "kindergarten readiness" standard that is tested for before you start. so, i do agree that is WAY over emphasized generally, but saying it's "not a thing" isn't exactly true either.
sorry that was bothering me. please carry on!
There are lots of requirements that private schools have - some require religious declaration, some require IQ testing, blah blah blah.
None of that applies to public schools which by law all children are entitled to attend.
yes, fully aware.
K teachers are amazing and it will all level out quickly regardless.
Public schools here do talk about "kindergarten readiness" but it's more to do with giving parents things they can work on with their children so that the kids are comfortable entering kindergarten. Things like: opening and closing lunch containers, sitting and listening, following instructions etc. And children certainly don't have to be able to do these things to be enrolled - if their birthdays make the cutoff they can go.
OP, I'm annoyed on your behalf that this is so difficult. The fact that your child turned five, weeks before school even started, and still can't attend is just ridiculous.
Every daycare my kids have attended have had a formal preschool program incorporated for all kids age 3 and up. Even my 2 year old's class has a curriculum. He is already counting to 6 and can recognize his name, knows his letters, colors, shapes. So I wouldn't really worry about preparation at all, or looking for a formal preschool program. If you like your daycare, or even if you're looking for new care for whatever reason, don't count them out.