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Enrolling in Kindergarten in New York: What You Need To Know
Is your little one ready to sign up for school? As you prepare
for that important first day of kindergarten, you’ll want to be
informed well in advance about requirements for kindergarten
entrance and registration.
By GreatSchools.net Staff
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.
1. In most states, to be eligible for kindergarten, your child
must be at least 5 years of age.
It's important to find out the date (usually between August and
December) by which you child must turn 5. This date varies from
state to state and each state has a different rule, so check
your state department of education's Web site or inquire at your
local school to find out the kindergarten deadline applicable to
your child.
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.
2. You have to fill out registration and emergency medical
referral forms.
Check with your local district for their requirements.
3. 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)
- 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.
Additional Resources
For more information about kindergarten, consult your local
school district or check the National Association for the
Education of Young Children Web site for more information and
resources.
Source: Greatschools.net
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