(FRANKFORT, KY) – The Kentucky Department of Education’s Local Superintendents Advisory Council (LSAC) approved changes to how districts enroll kindergarten students during its regular meeting on July 25.
The council approved a proposed regulation change on enrolling students in kindergarten programs. Under the amendment to the regulation, the process for districts enrolling those students will change, but the ages will not.
Robin Kinney, KDE’s associate commissioner in the Office of Finance and Operations said it is an attempt to make things a little easier for school districts, to expedite the process.
According to Kentucky law, a child who is 6 years old or who turns 6 by Aug. 1 must attend public school. A child who is 5 years old or who will turn 5 by Aug. 1 is able to be enrolled in primary school.
A school district may enroll students in kindergarten younger than the usual age requirements, granted they demonstrate sufficient academic, social and developmental progress. These students would be under 5 for first-year enrollment and under 6 for second-year enrollment.
As it currently stands, Kentucky Department of Education must approve these enrollments. Changes to the regulation would grant districts the authority to enroll these students without prior KDE approval.
Local Superintendents Advisory Council Chair Robbie Fletcher says that local districts are going to know those students much better. And it just makes sense for the KDE to review those in the audit process.