Applications Due by May 15
LA PLATA, Md. (April 13, 2010)—Charles County Public Schools has revised its procedures and guidelines for early entrance into the kindergarten program. Parents must request and submit an application by May 15 for their child to be tested for early kindergarten admission.
State law requires students entering kindergarten to be five years old by Sept. 1 in the school year in which the child registers. In some cases, early admission is granted to children who turn five years old between Sept. 2 and Oct. 31; however, there are a number of considerations and rigorous admission standards. To be considered for early admission, children must have demonstrated exceptional ability in social, emotional, cognitive and physical development. Potential early admission students are tested through the Charles County Public Schools early childhood office, which uses a standardized test that takes approximately 60 minutes and includes mathematics, reading/language and general knowledge for kindergarten. A certified teacher or central office staff member administers the test individually to each child.
In addition to testing, the following are other guidelines set by the Maryland State Department of Education and Charles County Public Schools for early entrance into a kindergarten program.
-- Children must be five years old by Oct. 31.
-- Student placement in the program is based on exceptional ability in social emotional, cognitive and physical development.
-- Children are conditionally admitted early into kindergarten and observed for a 30-calendar day placement review at the beginning of the school year.
-- Acceptance for early admission and registration does not guarantee continuation in kindergarten beyond the 30-calendar day placement review.
Testing for early admission in the 2010-11 school year begins April 27 and ends June 4. Notification of decisions of conditional acceptance or denial for early admission will be mailed to parents the week of June 21. Applications not postmarked by or received after the May 15 deadline will not be tested.
“The intent of the procedures is to make kindergarten available to younger students who are capable of working in a classroom setting with children who are one year older. The standards for entrance into the program are very high to ensure that children are not frustrated by the advancement,” said Judy Estep, assistant superintendent of instruction.
For more information on early entrance requirements as well as the application form, visit the Charles County Public Schools Web site at http://www2.ccboe.com/register/register.cfm#ee and look for the early entrance kindergarten application packet. You can also call the division of instruction at 301-934-7360 with questions.
Source: Charles County Public Schools