Requirements for Your Preschooler to Enter Kindergarten

You think it might be time to get your preschooler into kindergarten, but you’re not exactly sure what will be required of you and your child. Other than getting them to school on time, what else is there? Below are some requirements for your preschooler to enter kindergarten, so you can be prepared and know exactly what else there is.

REGISTRATION

The first thing that’s required for your preschooler to go to kindergarten is to get them registered. To find out how your child’s kindergarten handles registration, visit their website. Typically, registration can be done online followed by a meeting to bring in required documents such as:

• Child’s birth certificate
• Child’s social security card
• Guardians drivers license
• Proof of residency

AGE

Your child will need to be five years old by your state’s cut off date. This means that some children may start kindergarten at four, and some may not start until they are six. If your child doesn’t make your state’s cut off date, you may be able to talk to your school about an early admittance.

Check here for information on your state’s Kindergarten entrance age, if your child is required to attend kindergarten, and if your state is required to offer full or half day classes.

IMMUNIZATIONS

Along with the other documents you bring for registration, you may also need to provide copies of your child’s immunizations, as well as have a physical done. A physical exam will tell the school if your child is able to participate in all school activities without accommodation, or what potential accommodations they may need to make.

If you aren’t comfortable with your child receiving immunizations or a physical, speak with your child’s school. There are typically exceptions made for medical, religious, or philosophical reasons.

ENTRANCE SCREENING

Entrance screening is not a requirement in all schools, and is more commonly found in private schools. Some things your child’s kindergarten will screen are their:

• Motor and sensory skills
• Social and emotional skills
• Language and literacy skills
• Math, logic, and problem solving skills
• Art and music skills
• Science and social studies skills

For a more specific idea of what your school may be expecting from your child, check out our article 30 SKILLS YOUR PRESCHOOLER SHOULD HAVE BEFORE GOING TO KINDERGARTEN.

After you check that out, if you feel like your child could use some work in any of those areas, check out our article KINDERGARTEN READINESS ACTIVITIES TO PREPARE YOUR PRESCHOOLER, and you’ll have them ready for that screening in no time.