Early Kindergarten Entrance
The Nebraska Legislature has changed the law governing when children begin kindergarten in public schools. Starting in the 2012-13 school year, students may enter kindergarten if they turn five years of age on or before July 31, a date that was previously Oct. 15. *However, if your child was born between August 1 and October 15, he or she is eligible to participate in a free assessment conducted by Lincoln Public Schools to determine possible early entrance to kindergarten.
**Common questions and answers
Is my child eligible?
- Your child must turn 5 years of age between August 1 and October 15 (a copy of a birth certificate will be required). Children who are good candidates for this process are those who demonstrate academic achievement as well as social, emotional and physical maturity appropriate for kindergarten placement.
How do I have my child participate?
- You can obtain an application packet from your neighborhood school starting Jan. 30, 2012. You need to fill out an application and register with the neighborhood school at least one week prior to each round of testing. Application and birth certificate are due at registration.
When, where and how will my child be assessed?
- Your child will be assessed on pre-academic skills/cognitive skills and social/emotional development. Trained teachers will conduct the 45-minute assessment.
- When you register your child at your neighborhood school, you will also schedule the time and date of your child’s assessment.
- The assessment will take place at the LPS Student Service Building (Hawthorne) at 300 S. 48th St. (Please use the northwest entrance.) Assessments for early kindergarten entrance will occur between 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. on the following dates: March 12-16; Saturdays in April: April 14, 21 and 28; and July 9-13.
What will happen the day of testing?
- Your child should arrive at the LPS Student Services Building at the scheduled time. You will be asked to wait in the outer office while your child is taking the assessment, and you will be asked to fill out a questionnaire. Parents are not allowed in the testing room.
- Administering the assessment will take 45 minutes.
How will I find out if my child is eligible for entrance to kindergarten?
- A letter will be sent with the results/determination no more than 3 weeks after the assessment.
- If the child is eligible for entrance, the parent makes the final decision to register the child for kindergarten. Even if a child is found eligible, he/she is not required to attend kindergarten this fall.
For more information contact:
Lincoln Public Schools Student Services, 402-436-1654.
