GreatSchools, Inc., June 22nd, 2007
In most states, kindergarten attendance is optional.
Most school districts are required by law to offer a kindergarten program for interested parents.
Districts vary on when they begin taking sign-ups for kindergarten. Most begin pre-registration in early spring for the following fall. The number of hours your child will spend in school each day varies from district to district, although the state requires that students complete a minimum number of hours per year.
Here are some general guidelines on what is required for kindergarten enrollment. Be sure to check with your local school district for their specific requirements, too.
In most states, to be eligible for kindergarten, your child must be at least 5 years of age.
In California, to be eligible for kindergarten, your child must be 5 years old on or before December 2 of the school year.
Although most states are fairly strict in enforcing the deadline date (if your child is not 5 by the designated deadline, he must wait until the following year to start kindergarten), some school districts may allow parents to enroll their children if they turn 5 in the middle of the school year. Most districts choose not to make an exception for these students because of space constraints and possible complications around promotion to first grade. If you feel strongly that your child should start kindergarten and his birthday does not meet the state deadline, it's worth contacting the school district office to see if they will make an exception.
Kindergarten is not mandatory and children are not required to attend school until age 6. Because kindergarten has become increasingly academically oriented and is an important foundation for first grade, the vast majority of families do enroll their children in kindergarten at age 5. Districts may allow parents to enroll children if they turn 5 in the middle of the school year, but most choose not to because of space constraints and possible complications around promotion to first grade.
You have to fill out registration and emergency medical referral forms.
Check with your local district for their requirements.
You may be asked to provide the following:
- Proof of your child's age and identity: either a birth certificate or another reliable document stating the child's identity and age (such as a passport, school ID card, school record, report card, military ID, hospital birth record, adoption record or baptismal certificate) If you need another copy of your child's birth certificate, see Vital Records Information [http://www.vitalrec.com/].
- Proof of residence, such as driver's license, voter/motor registration card, utility bill, rent statement, income tax return statement, proof of home ownership (including a mortgage statement) or any official document showing both your name and address.
- Records of vaccination and immunization against specified diseases. Check with your school district to find out which immunizations are required.
Making the Transition to Kindergarten
The No Child Left Behind Act requires schools nationwide to develop a transition plan to help children move smoothly from early childhood programs to elementary school. Schools are also required to provide information on developmental stages and what to expect in kindergarten. Check with your local school district about receiving this information.
