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KINDERGARTEN READINESS ACT CHANGES ELIGIBILITY DATES FOR ENROLLMENT IN
2012-2013

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The Kindergarten Readiness Act, SB 1381, moves up the state’s entry birth date for kindergarten students to September 1 through a multi-year, phase-in requirement for all California School Districts.

 

For the 2011-12 school year, there is no change to the eligibility date. To enroll in kindergarten, children must be five years old on or before December 2, 2011.

 

The following will be observed:

School year	5th Birthday on or before
2012-13	November 1
2013-14	October 1
2014-15	September 1

The law also creates a program called Transitional Kindergarten, (SEE FAQs for more information) which is the first of a two-year kindergarten program for students whose 5th birthday falls after the legal entry birth date through December 2nd.   The current Poway Extended Primary Program (PEPP) meets these requirements and is being renamed the Transitional Kindergarten Program.  As we have in the past, we will continue to allow children whose 5th birthday is between June 1 and December 2 to enroll in the two-year Transitional Kindergarten. 

 

For Transitional Kindergarten enrollment information for the 2012-13 school year, please refer to the District or your home school’s website in early spring (Also see Transitional Kindergarten Enrollment Eligibility Calendar for 2012-13).

 

California law requires the following:

 

1.  A certified birth or baptismal certificate is required for proof of age.  As required by State law, your child MUST BE FIVE YEARS OF AGE ON OR BEFORE DECEMBER 2, 2011 (for the 2011-12 school year).

 

2.  California immunization requirements are:

      a)   Polio - 4 doses (3 doses if at least one dose was given on or after fourth birthday)

      b)   DTP - 5 doses (4 doses if at least one dose was given on or after fourth birthday)

      c)   MMR - 2 doses (Both doses must be given on or after first birthday)

      d)  Hepatitis B - 3 doses

e)   Varicella (Chicken Pox) – 1 dose (or health care provider documentation of Chickenpox disease)

 

3.  All children are required to have their vaccinations fully completed before enrolling in Kindergarten, unless exempted as provided by law.  The official record is the California state record immunization (yellow card) obtained from your health care provider, which contains the following information:

 

      a)   Name of child

      b)   Date of birth

      c)   Name of immunization administered

      d)   Day, month and year of each immunization

      e)   Signature or stamp of health care provider or agency administering each vaccine

 

NOTE:  ALL IMMUNIZATIONS MUST BE UP TO DATE AND VERIFIED AT ENROLLMENT!  STUDENTS WILL NOT BE PRE-ENROLLED, ENROLLED, OR ADMITTED WITHOUT THIS EVIDENCE.

 

Only two types of exemptions are allowed for immunization  

(1) medical, or  (2) personal beliefs.  Exemptions must be handled prior to enrollment.  Ask your school for specific requirements now.

 

4.  All students are required to have a specific physical examination when entering first grade.  This Child Health and Disability Prevention (CHDP) examination may be obtained within 18 months prior to entering first grade.  The pre-kindergarten physical qualifies if obtained within six months prior to entering kindergarten in August 2011.  Please request forms from your school.  If you meet income eligibility, a no-cost physical may be available to you.  Check with the Health Technician for names of physicians/clinics in the area. 

 

5.  Oral Health Assessments (dental screening) are now required for all children entering public school for the first time at either the kindergarten or first grade level.  Forms and waivers are included in registration packets. 

 

6.  All school districts in California have been advised that the State Controller’s Office will rigorously enforce Title V (Administrative Code) and Education Code provisions for verification of residency for school attendance.  It is therefore necessary for district staff to verify residency of all enrolling students.  The enrolling parent/legal guardian/foster parent/relative will be required to complete a Residency Verification form and present two of the following original documents, which will be photocopied and kept in the student’s file.  Any subsequent change of address for the

• Deed to primary residence
• Escrow papers for primary residence
• Rental/lease agreement for primary residence
• Military housing orders (base housing office written verification)
• Declaration of temporary residency affidavits for homeless families
• Current bill from local utility company
• Any other legal document(s) which establishes residence address within district boundaries

Additionally, enrollment forms (which may be obtained on the district website) are required and all forms (including the child's social security number, if applicable) must be completed and submitted before a child is eligible for admittance.

 

The above mentioned items must be provided to the site during their respective enrollment time (see schedule below).