Excited about starting kindergarten in America ?
PCS ’ ing to America with a rising kindergartener ? Here are some things to consider :
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Kindergarten age isn ’ t uniform across the US . Typically the requirement is 5 years of age by a certain date . Find out more here :
Kindergarten Cut-off Dates If your child has already started kindergarten and is moving to a state with an earlier cutoff date which would make your child ineligible for enrollment , have no fear . The
Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunities for Military Children provides that children of active duty military can be “ grandfathered ” into a class .
� Immunizations should be up to date . State immunization requirements may vary . Find your
immunization requirements by disease and state . The CDC offers a handy
Immunization Tracker for birth through age six The Interstate Compact helps out here too . Military dependents are allowed to enroll in and start school without shot records with 30 days to provide proof of immunization . This allows time in case there are requirements that your child hasn ’ t yet met .
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Full day kindergarten programs are almost universal , but not all places offer full day kindergarten , so be sure to check with the local schools as you make your housing decisions . Your
SLO can be a great source of information about what is available .
Have vision and hearing screening done prior to departing . These are vital to ensuring any problems a child may be having in school aren ’ t related to these issues . Most schools will do basic screenings during the year , but if your child comes in after it ’ s done , a full year could go by without you recognizing a potential problem .
Kindergarten enrollment is optional in some US districts . Decide what works bestfor your child . Waiting a year may be just what your child needs .
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Help your child have a happy first day by setting up a visit to the classroom prior to the big day ! Meeting the teacher and seeing the layout of the room helps remove some fear of the unknown and makes for a less anxious first day . For mid-year moves , ask if the school connects new students with current ones . Even children as young as five can be good ambassadors to new students . Are you excited yet ???