New Kindergarten Age Requirements Beginning in 2012-13
For many years, the law has been that students must turn 5 on or before December 2 in order to attend Kindergarten. That law has changed. Over the next three years, that beginning date will be progressively earlier, as follows:
- For the upcoming 2012-13 school year, a child must turn 5 on or before November 1, 2012.
- For the 2013-14 school year: A child must turn 5 on or before October 1, 2013.
- For the 2014-15 school year (and each year thereafter): A child must turn 5 on or before September 1, 2014.
The law also requires that districts offer a Transitional Kindergarten program, starting at the first day of the school year, for students whose birthday falls between the new date and December 2nd of that school year. For students who attend Transitional Kindergarten, Kindergarten becomes a two-year program.
The Black Oak Mine Unified School District already offers a Preparatory Kindergarten program that meets the requirements of this provision. Students whose birthdate falls between the following dates for the associated school year will be eligible to enroll in Preparatory Kindergarten:
- For the 2012-13 school year: Child turns 5 between Nov. 2ndand Dec. 2nd
- For the 2013-14 school year: Child turns 5 between Oct. 2nd and Dec. 2nd
- For the 2014-15 school year: Child turns 5 between Sept. 2ndand Dec. 2nd
In addition, the District will continue to offer Preparatory Kindergarten to eligible students with fifth birthdays in the late summer/fall months (even if they are old enough for kindergarten). The program is offered on a case-by-case basis. The District takes into consideration the developmental level of the student in making placement decisions.
For the first two years of Preparatory Kindergarten, we have been able to place every student whose parents requested this option. We anticipate, going forward, to continue to honor most, if not all, placement requests.
Also, if your child will turn 5 after December 2nd, you may still place your child’s name on a list to be enrolled in Preparatory Kindergarten as soon as they turn 5. Again, on a case-by-case basis, they will be placed if space is available.