Please refer to Step 1 in the flyer to begin.

Pursuant to Public Act 23-208, Section 1(a), The CT Department of Education has mandated a new entry age for Kindergarten students.  Beginning with the 2024-25 school year, students need to be five years of age on or before September 1 of that school year in order to be eligible for Kindergarten.

For students that do not meet the entry age parents can request the school district to consider entering their child early.

Early Entry to Kindergarten Procedure:

• Student must turn five by December 31st of that school year to be eligible.

• Parent must submit a written letter to Melanie.Deninger@whschools.org, the Early Childhood Coordinator, requesting consideration for their child to enter Kindergarten. 

• Parents must provide two current proofs of residency (lease/mortgage and utility bill) and their child’s birth certificate for an appointment to be scheduled.

• Kindergarten stakeholders will administer the Kindergarten Screening Assessment.

  • Screenings start at the beginning of April through the end of August

  • The screening will assess if the student is developmentally appropriate for Kindergarten.

  • Screenings will consist of the following domains:

    • academic

    • personal/social

    • adaptive

    • communication

    • motor

    • school readiness

       

• The Early Childhood Director will communicate a decision shortly after the screening is completed.  These decisions are final.

  • Non-eligible students will be provided with community resources and engagement activities that they can participate in prior to kindergarten.

  • Eligible students will be provided with next steps regarding registration requirements.