Kindergarden Age Cut Off

[Anonymous]

My family is plaNning to move over the summer; from DC to MD. My child just barely made the cut off for DC Kindergarden; DC cut off is September 30 vs MD September 1, she has a September birthday . This fall, my child will technically be the correct age to start K in MD, but she will have "attended" albeit all online, K this year in DC. Any insight into how this works out - shoud we anticipate doing K or 1st?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My family is plaNning to move over the summer; from DC to MD. My child just barely made the cut off for DC Kindergarden; DC cut off is September 30 vs MD September 1, she has a September birthday . This fall, my child will technically be the correct age to start K in MD, but she will have "attended" albeit all online, K this year in DC. Any insight into how this works out - shoud we anticipate doing K or 1st?

Which school district in MD?

[Anonymous]

I would send her to K in MD unless she is advanced. Did she learn at all in distance K in DC this year? I think it's a great opportunity to give her another chance at K.

My kid is the oldest in his K class (could have gone either way) due to cutoffs, and I don't regret it.

[Anonymous]

How do you feel about her readiness for first grade?

One approach would be to consider your move a gift that will enable her to attend kindergarten in person, gaining the social skills that she missed as a result of DL.

If you think she is mature enough and ready for first grade, some districts require testing and assessment for that placement. I will vary by county.

[Anonymous]

Keep in mind that K next year will be huge. It is supposed to be a large class demographically and many held kids back due to distance learning. So i would send to 1st. On the back end when they are juniors it would be much more competition for college for the K class of 2021.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Keep in mind that K next year will be huge. It is supposed to be a large class demographically and many held kids back due to distance learning. So i would send to 1st. On the back end when they are juniors it would be much more competition for college for the K class of 2021.

This could really be an issue. In PGCPS, K enrollment for this school year was 8,600 while enrollment in SY19 was closer to 10,000.

[Anonymous]

She would do K again in MD OP and be one of the oldest. You can try and test her in to first bit given the shit show that was DL I would just do K in person.

[Anonymous]

I would talk to her current K teacher and see what that teacher has to say. It will help you to decide whether to ask the school to enroll in K or 1st. And you can call the principal of your zoned school to talk about enrollment in K or 1st based on your request and your DC teacher's recommendation.

K vs 1st is not only about the academics, but also about social and interaction skills. While your child may be academically better suited to 1st, it may be better to redo K based on a year of virtual learning where she may not have acquired the social skills that will help her better interact with her peer group and other children in general.

[Anonymous]

I would do K again.

[Anonymous]

I'd put her in 1st if her teacher thinks it's a good idea. She will be completely bored in K.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'd put her in 1st if her teacher thinks it's a good idea. She will be completely bored in K.

This. As long as she is meeting all the kindergarten standards and seems mature enough I'd move her up to first. There will be a TON of catch up and review for all students next year because of COVID and she will probably be bored repeating the kindergarten curriculum all over again.

[Anonymous]

1st grade, no reason to hold her back.

[Anonymous]

Once you determine which district you are going to move to, I would call the local school and find out what (if anything) you need to do to get your K kid moved up to 1st.
I think that because of the cut off there is additional paperwork you need to do.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Once you determine which district you are going to move to, I would call the local school and find out what (if anything) you need to do to get your K kid moved up to 1st.
I think that because of the cut off there is additional paperwork you need to do.

I just found the PGCPS guidlines:
"FIRST GRADE REGISTRATION

Children admitted to the first grade in the public schools shall be at least six (6) years old on or before September 1 of the school year in which they apply for entrance. Children cannot be enrolled in first grade unless they meet the age of entrance and have completed a public or private kindergarten program, one of the three (3) alternative program settings, or home school instruction. This applies to all children who are Maryland residents. Students who do not meet the age of entrance will be placed in kindergarten, and the parent may nominate the child for Early Entrance to First Grade. A six (6) year-old moving into Maryland from another state that has not had kindergarten experience, may be enrolled in first grade. The parent or guardian must provide proof that they just moved into the state of Maryland and must complete the Affidavit of Disclosure (PA-15) to establish proof of their legal residence. If the parent or guardian cannot provide proof that the child attended kindergarten or one of the alternative programs, or that they are new residents of Maryland, then the child cannot be enrolled in the first grade. The child must be enrolled in kindergarten.

Questions regarding the qualifications of any alternative program providers should be directed to the Early Childhood Office, 240-724-1924."

[Anonymous]

+1 asking current teacher.