social security card *required* for kindergarten registration?

[Anonymous]

I am being told that my child can not be registered for kindergarten without bringing in her physical social security card. Is this true?

Some background:
* We have a special ed screening meeting scheduled and so "not being registered" is significant because they said they can't do the screening meeting unless she is registered.
* I've given them her social security number but I can't find the physical card.
* We went to SSA this week and started the process to get a replacement card but that will take several weeks. I have the SSA letter saying I've applied for a replacement card.
* I brought all the other requested documents to kindergarten orientation for them to make photo copies of (property records, family passports, birth certificate, my driver's license, etc)*

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am being told that my child can not be registered for kindergarten without bringing in her physical social security card. Is this true?

Some background:
* We have a special ed screening meeting scheduled and so "not being registered" is significant because they said they can't do the screening meeting unless she is registered.
* I've given them her social security number but I can't find the physical card.
* We went to SSA this week and started the process to get a replacement card but that will take several weeks. I have the SSA letter saying I've applied for a replacement card.
* I brought all the other requested documents to kindergarten orientation for them to make photo copies of (property records, family passports, birth certificate, my driver's license, etc)*

I actually don't think that's true. I don't even think you are required to provide the SSN.

[Anonymous]

I agree they should not need the SSN card (or maybe even the number). I would try calling the central office?

[Anonymous]

I just replaced my DD's Social Security card and got it in less than a week.

I'm not sure what the policy on Social Security cards is, but it sounds strange. Then again, I was told at kindergarten registration that I'd have to bring in documentation proving my daughter was a US citizen (adopted internationally) or she would have to go through hours of ESOL testing (despite the fact she spoke English perfectly for a 5-year-old).

[Anonymous]

According to website - this is what you need:

http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/info/enroll/proofs.aspx

[Anonymous]

All ur freedoms r belong to us.

[Anonymous]

Check the list for MCPS. You can enroll with just your drivers license and the kid's birth certificate (and immunization records, etc). No SSN needed.

[Anonymous]

illegal immigrant children have a constitutional right to public school education (so the Supreme Ct has said) and these kids would not have SSNs so it cannot therefore be accurate that the school "NEEDS" an SSN - it may even be illegal for them to be insisting on this to you.

[Anonymous]

OP here. Thanks for the support.
I had read about the process for saying she doesn't have a SSN and was even tempted to say that we don't have one. However, I'd written in the number on one of the registration forms so saying she didn't have one wasn't an option.
It had not occurred to me to just call the central office staff - so I will try that now.

[Anonymous]

OP, if I were you I would email whomever told you you were required to bring in a SS card for your child (I'm assuming it was the registratino/attendance secretary at the school?), with a cc to the principal of that school. ( You can probably word it better than I can.)

Dear Ms. Smith,

Thank you for helping me register little Marigold at school today. I am sorry that I was unable to complete the process as I did not have her SS card with me. It is my understanding that this SS is NOT a requirement for registration. see here: link

I am writing to request you clarify this requirement for me, as I would like to have marigold registered as soon as possible.

Thank you!

[Anonymous]

Oh -- your email should add: I do not wish her special ed screening to be delayed in any way by this matter so I hope you will please clarify the requirement as soon as possible.

[Anonymous]

I had a concern about providing even the number and asked why I had to provide it at my local school in Montgomery County. The school representative told me they ask for it because it is on the form but that if we didn't want to, we did not have to provide it.