2019-2020 Kindergarten Update - Age Requirements

2019-2020 Kindergarten Update - Age Requirements
Posted on 07/02/2019

Kanawha County Schools

Kindergarten Information - 2019-2020 School Year

**Important Statewide Update on Age Requirements**

Update

  • Beginning in Fall 2019, the age & month cutoff for WV kindergarteners has changed.

  • Per a bill passed during the 2017 WV legislative session, children must be 5-years-old on or before June 30, 2019 to enroll in kindergarten beginning in the Fall of 2019. The age cutoff for PreK students was changed going into the 2018-2019 school year.

  • This change affects all WV kindergarteners.

  • Help us by making sure that your family, friends and neighbors know about this important change!

Sign-Up

  • Enrollment fair dates will be announced in the coming month. These take place at your child's home school.

  • Kindergarten students must be enrolled in his/her home school (find your homeschool) or complete an out-of-area application beginning on April 1 at the Kanawha County School Board Office. For more information, call Billie Sigmon at 348-7787 or e-mail [email protected].

  • You can prepare now, by pulling together the following documents:

    • Proof of up to date immunizations (4-year-old boosters if already in KCS Preschool).

    • State issued birth certificate (with raised seal).

    • Proof of a well-child physical examination within the past year.

    • Proof of a dental examination within the past year.

FAQs

Why was the change in age made?

During the 2017 WV legislative session, delegates put forward Senate Bill 186, which changed the eligibility date for both preschool and elementary statewide. Legislators felt that this was in the best interest of students and educational facilities.

So, if my child turns five on July 1 or after, he/she will not be eligible to enroll in kindergarten in 2019?

That is correct. Your child must turn 5 before July 1st, 2019, in order to be eligible for 2019-2020 kindergarten.

If my child has a birthday between July 1st and August 31st, 2019 will they begin PreK as a five-year-old in 2019?

That is correct. Depending on their birthday, they may begin preschool as a 4-year-old or 5-year-old.

Is there any exception to this rule or anything that can be done to get my child into kindergarten this Fall if they do not meet the age requirement?

Kanawha County Schools offers an early entry-advanced placement testing process for students who do not meet the age cutoff. This involves both intellectual and development tests. These exams are given during the summer. For more information, call Billie Sigmon at 348-7787 or e-mail [email protected]. **Please note that preschool programs enroll in March, so by summer many will be filled. The county recommends enrolling in KCS preschool during the enrollment period.

As a reminder, the date change for eligibility for both preschool and kindergarten is now law across West Virginia.

The Kanawha County Schools Elementary staff can be reached at 304-348-7787.

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