What You Need to Know for Kindergarten Registration

The time has finally come for your little one to ditch the velcro and learn to lace-up: kindergarten is here.

There is a lot to remember when enrolling your child for kindergarten: vaccinations, proof of residency and even an oral assessment. It's an anxious time for both parent and kid alike.

There are many things to remember and prep for, but stress not, mom and dad! We've got the state basics here to help make the transition from preschool to kindergarten a smooth one.

Vaccinations

California law requires all children to have their vaccinations fully completed before enrolling in Kindergarten, unless exempted as provided by law. The five required vaccinations are:

1. Polio
2. DTP
3. MMR
4. HepatitisB
5. Varicella (ChickenPox)

Immunizations

California states that all immunizations must be up to date and verified at enrollment. Students will not be pre-enrolled, enrolled or admitted without this evidence. To get your proof of immunization, a state record card (a yellow card) can be ontained from your health care provider.

It will contain the name of your child, their date of birth, the name of each immunization that has been given to your child as well as the exact date it was administered. The yellow card will have a signature or stamp verifying the information.

Physical Exam

Kindergartens are required by the state to have a specific physical examination. All students are required to have a specific physical examination when entering first grade. This Child Health and Disability Prevention (CHDP) examination may be obtained within 18 months prior to entering first grade. The pre-kindergarten physical qualifies if obtained within six months prior to entering kindergarten in August 2011.

Oral Assessment

Open wide! If your child is entering public school for the first time, a dental screening is now required by the state. The Department of Education provides funding for these screenings. You can check their website to see how much your district gets funded and get additional details about this mandatory law.

Residency Verification

All school districts in California have been advised that the State Controller’s Office will rigorously enforce Title V (Administrative Code) and Education Code provisions for verification of residency for school attendance. Schools are required to verify residency of all enrolling students.

If you're enrolling your child in kindergarten, be prepared to complete a residency verification form and present two of the following original documents. Please note that photocopies will be made of the documents and kept in your child's student file.

• Deed to primary residence
• Escrow papers for primary residence
• Rental/lease agreement for primary residence
• Military housing orders (base housing office written verification)
• Declaration of temporary residency affidavits for homeless families
• Current bill from local utility company
• Any other legal document(s) which establishes residence address within district boundaries

What else you do think is important for parents of soon-to-be kindergarteners to know? Tell us in comments.