HARTFORD, Conn. — Parents and school officials are asking lawmakers to delay the new enrollment requirements for kindergarten students.
Starting in July, a new state law will require children to turn 5 years old by Sept. 1 to enroll in kindergarten. This means that for young children, it will delay them entering kindergarten for an additional year.
Previously, students were allowed to enter kindergarten if they turned 5 years old by Dec. 31 of that school year.
"There are major, major repercussions for families across the entire state of Connecticut," one parent said.
For parents, it's an unexpected change of plans.
"Because of this new law it’s just poof gone we have to figure out what we’re going to do," said one parent.
The Connecticut Office of Early Childhood and the state Department of Education estimate this rule would impact more than 9,000 students who would have been able to start kindergarten next school year.
Parents said they're not necessarily against the policy, but they do need more time to plan financially and to find a spot in a daycare program.
"Childcare is very hard to come by, I only got my kid into daycare by a referral," said one parent.
Parents are asking for the change in the summer of 2025 and are also asking the legislature for at least $50 million more to be put towards childcare in our state.
"We need to ensure Connecticut is a place parents won’t go broke and poor and live in poverty," said one parent.
Getting this law changed will be an uphill battle. The deadline to write a new bill has passed and the legislative session is short.
Parents are hopeful there will be some sort of quick resolution.
Lindsey Kane is a reporter at FOX61 News. She can be reached at Lkane@fox61.com. Follow her on Facebook, X, and Instagram.
---
Do you have a story idea or something on your mind you want to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at newstips@fox61.com
---
HERE ARE MORE WAYS TO GET FOX61 NEWS
Download the FOX61 News APP
iTunes: Click here to download
Google Play: Click here to download
Stream Live on ROKU: Add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching FOX61.
Steam Live on FIRE TV: Search ‘FOX61’ and click ‘Get’ to download.