NYC Public School Tidbit…New Law Makes Kindergarten mandatory

Get in the know…to all of the parents getting ready to enter into the world of the Kindergarten application process (oh boy!) for NYC public schools, you may or may not be aware of some of the recent changes that were signed into law over the summer, affecting the K-set.

In July, New York State Governor Cuomo signed a new law aimed at New York City to make Kindergarten mandatory for all students who will be five by December 1 in a given year. Historically, attending public school was optional until a child turned six although most parents still enrolled their children in a Kindergarten program. This law also ensures that children will not be turned away from a Kindergarten class because of overcrowding or other circumstances. Be warned that this doesn’t guarantee your Kindergarten eligible child a spot close to home, just that they will be given a spot somewhere. So, do your research and get your application(s) in on time.

The newly enacted law  also changes the cutoff date for enrollment for students, from December 31 to December 1. This means that any child born after December 1, 2008 will not be eligible to enter Kindergarten for the 2013-2014 school year. If this affects you, it’s time to start contemplating options for your toddler and making arrangements for that school year. It also means that parents intending to enroll their child in a Gifted and Talented program will not be eligible to test during this testing season.

More Information

For more information and details regarding all admissions information for your child’s grade level, your best resource is the New York City Department of Education.

Log onto www.nyc.gov. For information about kindergarten admissions, call (718) 935-2009. Phone lines are open M – F from 8am to 3pm.

To all my fellow parents with a soon to be Kindergarten-age toddler,  good luck!