Early Entrance
Indiana law states that a child must be age 5 on or before Aug. 1 to enter kindergarten. This is so that children have time to learn the readiness skills necessary for success in kindergarten. If a child is age 5 between Aug. 2 and Oct. 1, they can be considered for early entrance if deemed appropriate.
Your child might be ready for kindergarten early if they can:
Academically
- hold and use writing tools correctly recognize their own written first name and write it
- understand basic print knowledge (know the difference between letters/words and pictures and know that words go left to right)
- count up to 10 objects
- count numbers 1-20
- create some letters, shape symbols, and words
Behaviorally/Socially
- respect self, others, and property
- use words to express feelings and emotions
- demonstrate and understand taking turns and sharing
- stay focused on tasks for short periods
- take care of personal restroom needs and use utensils to feed oneself
- separate from parents or siblings without crying or being upset
- complete work by themselves
Things to Consider
Since your child will be one of the youngest in class, it may put him/her at a disadvantage.
Some students:
- May have a shortened attention span.
- May have gross and fine motor skills that are not as developed as others.
- May not be ready for the structure of kindergarten.
- May become followers instead of leaders.
If You Believe Your Child Is Ready:
1. Complete the form below by May 15th.
2. School personnel will observe and screen your child.
3. Evaluations will be conducted and the school district will notify parents of the decision in late Spring.
Questions?
Contact the Michigan City Area Schools Curriculum Department
(219) 873-2000