Frequently Asked Questions
It is the policy of the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) that a child must turn 4, 5 or 6 by September 1 of the enrolling year for entrance into pre-kindergarten , Sure Start, kindergarten and first grade respectively.
The change aligns DoDEA with national trends as well as the age requirement in many military-impacted states. This change will assist in the transition of military family members beginning school as they PCS from location to location.
Yes, he will be able to enroll in the kindergarten program.
No. There is no exception of the enrollment age requirement.
At DoDDS schools on overseas installations, some children turning 4 years old by September 1 could qualify for the DoDEA Sure Start Program.
At DDESS schools, all children turning 4 years old by September 1 are eligible to enroll in the half-day Pre-kindergarten program.
There is no exception of the enrollment age requirement.
Entrance to kindergarten is based on age and not on a child's ability. The developmentally appropriate practices within the in DoDEA kindergarten learning environments are tailored to meet the individual needs of students to ensure continuous learning progress for all.
Yes, a student who was enrolled in, and attended his or her prior school shall be allowed to continue enrollment at the grade level in DoDEA; commensurate with the student's current grade level, including kindergarten, while in a school of a local educational agency in the assigned sending state, or the Non-DoD Schools Program; at the time of transition, regardless of the fact their birthday is after September 1st. Note: The child must have been active in the current school year, and verification of enrollment is required (transfer sheet, report card, etc).
No. All children who are currently enrolled in the DDESS Pre-kindergarten or DoDDS Sure Start programs will be guaranteed an additional year of enrollment in their current program if they do not turn 5 years old by September 1. This continuation will allow children to transition to the kindergarten program with their same-aged peers.
Special education services written on a DoDEA IEP for any child three years old and older will be provided by the school system at no cost to the parent. The specific services may or may not include enrollment in a pre-kindergarten classroom, depending upon the unique needs of the child. Specific special education questions and/or concerns can be directed to the school principal.
A child must be four years old by September 1 to attend Pre-kindergarten or Sure Start and six years old by September 1 to attend first grade.
Yes, a student that has satisfactorily completed the prerequisite grade level in the Local Education Agency (LEA), LEA recognized school at the assigned military location, or the Non-DoD Schools Program, shall be eligible for enrollment in the next highest grade level in DoDEA, regardless of age.
No, the only prerequisite for kindergarten is age. Pre-kindergarten is not considered a prerequisite grade level for kindergarten.
