Kindergarten Registration
Changes in the Connecticut General Statutes raised age that children can start public school Kindergarten from age 5 on or before January 1 of the school year to age 5 on or before September 1 of the school year. This change went into effect on July 1, 2024. Therefore, children entering Kindergarten in the fall will need to be 5 on or before September 1st.
We understand that changes in educational policies can raise questions, and we want to address any concerns you may have. Below please find a list of Frequently Asked Questions. If you have any further questions about this process, please contact your school principal. If you are not sure which school your child will attend, you may contact Central Office at 203-426-7606.
FAQ
Are there any exceptions to this change in age?
Parents and guardians of any child whose birthday falls between September 2 and December 31 may make a request that their child be screened to determine if entering Kindergarten is developmentally appropriate. Kindergarten readiness will be assessed by an early childhood developmental screening tool that evaluates skills in the following areas:
- Physical Development
- Language Development
- Academic Skills/Cognitive Development
- Adaptive Behavior
How do I register my child(ren) for Kindergarten, regardless of their age on September 1st?
- Online registration for all students seeking entrance into Kindergarten for the fall of the coming year will open in January.
- Requests for consideration for early entry will be made through a special section of the regular online registration; no other action needs to be taken at this time
- Any student seeking Kindergarten entrance for the coming year must be registered by February 1 in order for your home elementary school to schedule your child’s screening appointment
- Screening will take place between February 5th and 15th at the home elementary school
- Specific dates and times will be communicated by the individual elementary schools
What if my child will not be 5 on or before September 1st?
If your child will not be 5 on or before September 5, how will it be determined if they can start Kindergarten?
The results of the screening process will determine whether starting Kindergarten before the age required by law is developmentally appropriate. If it is determined that starting early is not developmentally appropriate, then Kindergarten entry will be deferred until the child reaches the age of 5 by January 1 of the new year.
What if my child receives special education services?
If your child receives special education services and does not meet the new age requirement, your child’s planning and placement team (PPT) will review/revise your child’s individualized education program (IEP) to meet your child’s specific needs. This may include an additional year of preschool, if appropriate.
How can I tell if my child is ready for Kindergarten?
The decision of when to start a child in Kindergarten is a personal family decision that should take into account many factors, of which chronological age is only one. As you consider what is best, you may want to learn about ways you can help prepare your child at home.
Hello Kindergarten!, a joint publication of the Office of Early Childhood and CT State Department of Education (CSDE), that identifies key readiness skills as well as suggestions for easy and fun activities to develop them at home.
Who can I contact if I have additional questions?
If you have any further questions about this process, please contact your school principal. If you are not sure which school your child will attend, you may contact Central Office at 203-426-7606.