CONNECTICUT, USA — The new law regarding the age at which Connecticut children may begin kindergarten is in effect for the first time this upcoming school year.
All students must be five years old by September 1 to qualify for enrollment. Prior to this law, students had to turn five by January 1 to enroll, meaning some children were four years old for the first weeks or months of their school experience.
Educators say that it is too young, especially when, in some cases, there are students who are six years old in the same class. This created a learning and social gap within the class, as the ages and maturity levels differed greatly.
Connecticut Education Association President Kate Dias said the new law will elevate students' success rates for the rest of their lives.
“We were watching as young kids were coming in woefully underprepared, sometimes not even potty trained, yet we are expecting them to read or write. We realized we either change the curriculum or how we are placing students,” Dias said.
Until now, Connecticut was one of only seven states that allowed students to begin kindergarten at the age of four.
The age law was passed in the 2023 legislative session. Educators say this was a needed decision to properly teach the kids that came into their classrooms.
“Kids benefit when they have more attention paid to them, class sizes for small children should be small, it allows us to give attention when they come in early years they are working through what’s it like to be a learner and do this well,” Dias said.
Kindergarten teachers like Devin Van Patten said they agree. Class sizes will now often be smaller, and the curriculum will be taught more evenly.
“That allows teachers to hone in on those ages and allows us to more meet those students need, instead of a gap. The smaller the gap the more we can focus on needs in the class,” Van Patten said.
She said kindergarten is an instrumental year in their lives, and this law change will be a positive change.
“I think kindergarten is a great age. [The students] are happy to be here, learn, and [to] watch them grow.... They come in not knowing much, and then they leave reading. It’s amazing to see and feel,” Van Patten said.
Education leaders said that when a child has a positive kindergarten experience, it is proven that they have good grades, good self-esteem, and a productive academic career.
However, there are exceptions for children who turn five after September 1, 2024, but before December 30, 2024.
Parents can submit a waiver or letter to their school requesting early admission for their child. This is based on a case-by-case decision by the child’s school. You should call the school they would be attending to ask what you must do to start the age appeals process.
The waiver process may include:
- A written request from the parent or guardian
- An assessment by the school to determine if it would be developmentally appropriate for the child to attend kindergarten
- Input from preschool providers
- A discussion with the family
Many parents have been successful in getting their child enrolled early, but educators say that option isn’t for everyone—it's only for the kids who are proven ready.
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Brooke Griffin is a reporter for FOX61 News. She can be reached at bgriffin@fox61.com. Follow her on Facebook, X, and Instagram.
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