Checklist for Early Kindergarten Registration - 3 Important Items

To be prepared for Kindergarten registration, there are a few steps you will need to take prior to the registration date. You can check your school district's website for registration requirements. Here is a list that is commonly used at public and private school registrations.


1. Birth Certificate and Social Security Cards: There is an age requirement for entering school and the birth certificate (BC) verifies your child's eligibility for entering this school year. The BC and SS numbers will be recorded by you on your child application form. No copies of the BC or SS card will be made by the school personnel. You just need to show the original documents to the person in charge of registration. If you need to get an original copy of your child's birth certificate, contact your State Department of Vital Records for an application to complete. There is a small fee for receiving a copy of the birth certificate and it does take a few days to make the transaction. SS numbers are issued through the Social Security Office or visit their website to take care of an application on line. These documents will need to be presented before your child enters Kindergarten. You may bring these items in at a later date if they are not available during early registration.

2. Proof of Residency: By bringing a copy of your home phone bill or electric bill that has your 911 mailing address printed on it, (not a Post Office Box number), you will have your "proof of residency" document. Any requests for "out of district" school registrations must be approved by the district's superintendent. If you are requesting for your child to attend a school outside of your living community's district, you will need to write a letter to the district superintendent explaining your request for a different school placement. In most situations, a request outside of the child's school district may be approved but the parent will be responsible to provide transportation to and from school each day. Public school buses must follow their assigned routes to a particular school or schools.

3. Physical Examination and Shot Record: The final items needed for early registration will be the evidence of your child's physical examination by a physician and the shot records since birth. All of this information can be gathered from your family physician. The doctor's office will have the examination form that is required to be completed for school registration. Usually the deadline for this information must be complete for the first day of school or your child will not be allowed to enter on time.

Early registration for Kindergarten is very helpful to the school and for your child. So take advantage of this opportunity to help your rising Kindergarten child to get ready for school.