What is the New Entry Age for Kindergarten in Connecticut?

What is the New Entry Age for Kindergarten in Connecticut?

By Jeffrey L. Forte, Esq. | Forte Law Group LLLC | Special Education Lawyer

Starting in the 2024-2025 school year, children must be 5 years old on or before September 1st, 2024 to start kindergarten. This change is based on new state law that was approved in June 2023.

According to Connecticut Public Act 23-208, Section 1(a), the Connecticut Legislature changed how old a child must be to start kindergarten. The previous birth date cutoff of January 1 of any given school year was changed to September 1 of any given school year.

What to do if your child turns 5 after September 1, 2024?
Your child will start kindergarten in the fall of 2025 if your child turns 5 after September 1, 2024. Simply enroll your child for kindergarten in your local school district.

What to do if your child turns 5 after September 1, 2025?

If your child turns 5 after September 1, 2025, your child will begin kindergarten in the fall of 2026.

Are the any exceptions?

Yes, there are exceptions to the rule for children who do not meet the new entry cutoff date. Parents can seek a waiver if their child is 4 years old and has a birthday between September 2nd and December 31st.

Parents or legal guardians can request an exception for early entry to kindergarten by reaching out to the principal of the local elementary school their child would attend. Unfortunately however, each school district is responsible for developing their own waiver process. To find your child’s local school principal, click here. Forte Law Group encourages parents and legal guardians to put your exception request in writing to the school principal. The request should also be filed well enough in advance so if there is any dispute there is time to potentially resolve the dispute before the start of kindergarten.

Assessments

If a parent requests an exception to the rule, the school must conduct an assessment to determine if early entry is developmentally appropriate for the child. Transitioning to kindergarten marks a significant milestone for both children and their families. Understanding that every child develops uniquely, determining whether to seek early entry to kindergarten requires careful consideration. Factors such as your child’s learning style, developmental progress, the kindergarten environment, and potential alternatives merit exploration. Reflecting on your child’s preschool experience and the upcoming educational opportunities can provide valuable insights. Carefully consider your decision-making process effectively.

Children with Disabilities

Children with disabilities are entitled to the same process, including the right to assessments for early entry into kindergarten, that is provided to all children. Consideration should be given to determine if early entry into kindergarten is appropriate. Parents should consider speaking with their child’s private providers, such pediatrician, developmental pediatrician, speech and language pathologist and/or occupational therapist to understand how your child applies their skills in a group setting around peers and adults. Children with disabilities also have access to district funded preschool special education within your local school district. For more information, visit the Connecticut State Department of Education’s Preschool Special Education website.

For more information, feel free to contact Forte Law Group. 

Forte Law Group represents families that have a child with a disability throughout Connecticut, in Fairfield County, Hartford County, Litchfield County, Middlesex County, New London County, Tolland County, and Windham County, including in the following cities and towns:

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