Pre-Kindergarten

For School Year 2006-2007: Under Maryland law, children must be four years old on or before September 1, 2006, to enter pre-kindergarten in the 2006-2007 school year

Is my child eligible for pre-kindergarten?

A child must be four years old on or before September 1, 2006, and come from a family with an economically disadvantaged background.  If vacancies remain after children from economically disadvantaged backgrounds have been enrolled, the remaining vacancies may be filled using locally determined at-risk criteria.  All children are screened to determine eligibility for pre-kindergarten.

When will the screenings be held?

 Screenings to determine eligibility will be held at the countywide prekindergarten roundups on the dates and times can be obtained by calling 301 475-5511, x101. 

Where will the countywide pre-kindergarten roundups be held?

Please bring your child to the screening.

(You do not need to pre-register for the countywide pre-kindergarten roundups.)

Note:  If you are unable to attend the countywide pre-kindergarten roundups on the dates listed, you may contact the school to schedule a screening serving your residential area after June 2, 2006.  

(Questions regarding which school serves your residential area should be directed to the Department of Capital Planning at 301-475-4256, option 6.)

What do I need to bring to the screening?

 Please bring the following required information: 

• Birth certificate

• Immunization Record

• Proof of residence

• Court orders, notarized statements, or other legally binding instruments concerning custody, when custody of a minor student is an issue.

When will I be notified that my child meets the criteria for pre-kindergarten?

• You will receive a letter within three weeks of the screening informing you of the results.

Kindergarten

For School Year 2006-2007:  Under Maryland law, children must be five years old on or before September 1, 2006, to enter kindergarten in the 2006-2007 school year.

Is my child eligible for kindergarten?

Kindergarten attendance is mandatory for all children who will be five years old on or before September 1, 2006.  Parent(s)/Guardian(s) not intending to register an appropriately aged child for kindergarten must obtain a waiver from the St. Mary's County Public Schools Department of Pupil Services.  It is not necessary for children enrolled in pre-kindergarten in the public schools to register again.

When can I register my child?

Registration begins on April 20, 2006, and continues through the summer.

Where can I register my child?

You may register at the school serving your residential area.  Questions regarding which school serves your residential area should be directed to the Department of Capital Planning at 301-475-4256, Option 6.

What do I need to bring when I register my child?

To promote smooth registration, please bring the following required information:

• Birth Certificate

• Immunization Record

• Proof of Residence

• Court orders, notarized statements, or other legally binding instruments concerning custody, when custody of a minor student is an issue.

A physical examination for entering school is also required by Maryland law.  The Maryland Schools Record of Physical Examination form and the immunization form (DHMH 896) may be obtained from all local physicians, the Naval Medical Clinic Patuxent River, and school offices.

EARLY ENTRANCE TO KINDERGARTEN

  SCHOOL YEAR 2006-2007

Should You Consider Early Entrance to Kindergarten?

Early entrance to kindergarten will be considered for children who are 5 years old by November 1 and who demonstrate exceptional ability in reading and mathematics.

The procedures for early entrance to kindergarten include the following steps:

·        Request an Application and Information Profile from the school your child is zoned to attend, the Executive Director of Student Services at 301-475-5511, option 2, or the Supervisor of Instruction for Early Childhood and Elementary Education at 301-475-5511, extension 104 or 115.  Complete the Application and Information Profile and return it to the Executive Director of Student Services.  Applications must be received by August 1 for children to be considered for early entrance.

·        You will receive written confirmation that your request was received.

·        You will be contacted by the office of the Supervisor of Instruction for Early Childhood and Elementary Education to schedule the assessment date.

·        Proof of residency and an original birth certificate must be presented on the day of assessment.

·        You will receive a letter with the placement decision within two weeks of the assessment date.

·    The placement will be probationary for a thirty-day period pending his/her satisfactory social-emotional adjustment, as determined by the classroom teacher, the instructional resource teacher, and the principal.

·     If your child is granted early entrance to kindergarten, all relevant kindergarten policies will apply to him/her, including school attendance.  Thirty days after early entrance, the child’s placement in kindergarten will be reviewed to ensure successful adjustment. 

REMEMBER...the intent of the above procedures is to make kindergarten available to younger students who are capable of working in a classroom setting with children a year older.  These standards are high to ensure that children are not frustrated by the placement.

Did You Realize That. . .

• young children are emotionally vulnerable and may become stressed and anxious when adult expectations for their performance exceed their developmental capabilities?

• when your child's advanced placement peer group reaches adolescence and are old enough to date, drive, and assume other adult prerogatives, the same rights will be denied to your child who is chronologically younger?