by Shianne Winston | Sep 19, 2022 | Parent Guide
When should my child begin school?
Prior to kindergarten or primary school, parents frequently enroll their kids in preschool.
Although the age to begin preschool can vary, most preschools accept children when they are 3 years old or older. According to experts, kids who are educationally supported in their preschool years have a better chance of succeeding later on.
By the age of six, California state law mandates that every child be enrolled full-time in a school. By the time a child turns six, parents are legally compelled to enroll them in a full-time school. The decision of whether the child should be enrolled in kindergarten or first grade rests with the parent and the school system.
Parents typically enroll their child in kindergarten when they are five years old.
A child may be admitted to a district-run kindergarten at the start of the following school year if they turn 5 on or before September 1 of that year. Every school district must provide kindergarten programs.
How do I know if my child is eligible for kindergarten?
Age is the only eligibility requirement for kindergarten. Your child can attend a district-run kindergarten if s/he is 5 years old on or before September 1 of that school year.
What is transitional kindergarten?
Transitional Kindergarten (TK) takes place in the first year of a two-year kindergarten program. It uses a curriculum that has been specially designed for the age and developmental stage of the pupils.
If a child turns five between September 2 and December 3, they are eligible to attend TK.
For all kids who are allowed to attend, every school district must provide TK lessons. After completing one year in a TK program, a child may be enrolled in kindergarten for an extra year.
Does my child need immunizations before school enrollment?
All children of school age in California are required by state law to have a health examination before starting school. This check-up includes a physical examination and a record of recent vaccinations.
A Report of Health Examination for School Entry form, which needs to be filled out and given to the school as part of the enrollment procedure, can be obtained from the district.
To find out if your child has all the vaccines required to be accepted to school, make an appointment for your child’s health exam and provide a copy of the Report of Health Examination for School Entry for the health examiner to complete.
What do I need in order to register and enroll my child in school?
Typically, to enroll their child in a new school, parents will need to provide a physical address, some form of identification for the child (like a birth certificate), proof of legal guardianship, the student’s shot records, health exam records, and previous school records.
Some public schools and districts require that parents fill out an application form. Check with your district administrator to see if you have to fill out an application to attend the school you are interested in.
Most schools require parents to fill out emergency contact forms, in case a child gets hurt or has an emergency at school. These forms may also ask for medical and dental insurance information.
According to the federal McKinney-Vento Act and California state law, you are guaranteed enrollment in a district-run public school, even if you have uncertain housing or have a temporary or no permanent physical address. Under these circ*mstances, you may not have to provide proof of residency, proof of legal guardianship, immunization records, or previous school records.
I have questions about a specific school in my area. Who should I ask?
GreatSchools.organd the California Department of Education are good resources to find information about your school online. There, you’ll find the school’s contact information, as well as information about what kinds of programs the school offers, the latest state test scores broken out by student group, and other information about this school. You can also contact your local school district.
Resources
What is the general school enrollment timeline?
Every parent’s experience will vary, but this is a general guide to help you see the different stages of school enrollment and when they typically take place.
Winter –Explore your options.
- Find the school(s) in your area that your child can attend. If you can not visit in person, many schools and schools districts have websites that provide important information about enrollment criteria.
- Visit a school or go on a tour. Especially January through March, most schools allow parents to visit and see what a typical school day looks like; the size of the school, playground, and classrooms; and the teachers and staff working and interacting with the children. Check with the school for the best days and hours to visit. School tours, which are usually organized by the school staff or active parents, also give you a better sense of whether or not the school is the right fit for your child.
- Ask your school tour guide about the specific information the school will need from you in order to register your child in school, and when all of it is due.
- Attend events for new parents. Many school districts and charter schools hold events that provide parents with general information about when and how to register your child, and any requirements they need for enrollment and admission.
Spring –Register.
- Registration usually takes place in March or April for the next school year, but may vary by district. You typically have to register in person at the school district office, and charter schools often require an application that is due around this time. Be sure to check the specific school’s website, or talk to the school leader to make sure you register and/or apply on time. Make sure to have completed all of the necessary paperwork before the registration deadline!
- Congratulations – you’ve been enrolled! By the end of school year, you should hear back from schools about where your child is officially enrolled. Make sure to read through the entire letter, since it usually provides important information about what you’ll need to prepare for school in Fall, any other documents you need to provide to complete the enrollment process, and the school’s policies and procedures.
Summer – Plan ahead.
- Make sure your child has everything needed to start school. If you need assistance, many school districts and charter schools have resources available to help parents and families obtain school supplies and other necessary materials for school.
- Keep working on reading and math during the summer! While school is out, continue to encourage your child to read and practice math. Kids sometimes lose some of their reading and math skills over the summer, so make sure they don’t experience the “summer slide.” Here are some great ways to keep kids learning over the summer months.
- Sign up for your local library’s summer reading program
- Set fun learning goals and help your student complete them
- Take advantage of free online learning platforms like Khan Academy, BrainPop, and Duolingo
- Make family time educational by visiting museums, visiting national parks, or going on walking tour
Fall –Go to school!
Enrolling your child in school requires a lot of planning. It’s a big accomplishment, so take some time to celebrate all of your hard work! Enjoy a little extra free time during your day and catch up with your student when they arrive back from school.
