Getting Ready For Kindergarten

Entering kindergarten is an exciting and critical time for your child. This will be the start of their "formal" education, laying the foundation for future learning and thus it should be the best experience possible.

Kindergarten Entry Age: starting in school year 2006-07, the following will apply to Hawaii's public schools:

Children who are five years-old on or before August 1st of the school year will be enrolled in kindergarten.

Children who are five years-old on or after August 2nd and on or before December 31st of the school year will be enrolled in Junior Kindergarten.

Some schools will have classes designated for each age group while some schools will have classes that are mixed. Schools plan to develop effective learning environments that reflect the unique needs of students.

To see "Tips for Parents on Kindergarten Transition" which gives parents activity ideas to do with their child to prepare for school, click here.

In addition, there is a storybook for children titled "Getting Ready for Kindergarten" by Mary Ann & Eric Nemoto. Locally inspired, this story tells the tale of a young girl as she and her grandmother prepare for kindergarten-including visits to her new school and with new teachers. To order click here.

Although each school's requirements vary, some of the forms you will need to register your child for junior kindergarten and/or kindergarten include:

• Student Health Record-Form 14
• Emergency Contact Card
• Residency Verfication Form
• Copy of your child's Birth Certificate
• Student Enrollment Form (from the school)
• Copy of your child's Social Security Card

Other forms that will help:
• Birth Certificate Request
• Application for Social Security Card

Information and forms were made available by Keiki Steps to Kindergarten of INPEACE, Department of Education and the Hawaii School Readiness Initiative.