Kindergarten Age Change

Yes.  

If your child does not meet the new entry cutoff date, they may still be admitted into kindergarten upon (1) a written request from the parent or guardian, and (2) an assessment completed by the school that determines admitting the child to kindergarten would be developmentally appropriate. 

If your child receives special education services and does not meet the new entry cutoff date, your child’s planning and placement team (PPT) will review/revise your child’s individualized education program (IEP) to meet your child’s needs during the additional year of preschool.

Please note: Parents may submit a written request for their child to be admitted into kindergarten if they do not meet the new entry cutoff date.  The school will complete an assessment to determine whether admitting the child to kindergarten would be developmentally appropriate.  

• If your child attends preschool, communicate with the program about your family’s situation and how they will continue to support your child’s development.  

• If your child is not attending an early care and education program, consider how a preschool experience might support them for the year(s) prior to kindergarten entry. You can find information about child care by talking with other families, searching online, or use the 2-1-1 Child Care online search tool.

• Seek out possible supports for child care expenses, such as Care 4 Kids, state-funded preschool opportunities, public school preschool programs, or Head Start.  To find out about possible lowcost programs and Care4Kids financial assistance, use the 2-1-1 Child Care online search tool or call (800) 505-1000.

• If you believe that it is developmentally appropriate for your child to enter kindergarten., communicate with your elementary school to request an assessment for admitting your child to kindergarten. 

• You can support learning throughout the day by sharing new words, reading with your child, asking questions, and playing.

• Begin planning how and when you will talk with your child about their transition to kindergarten to ensure a positive experience.

• Check out the Hello Kindergarten! brochure for more ideas on supporting your child across different areas of learning. 

In 2023, the Connecticut Legislature changed how old a child must be to start kindergarten.  

Public Act 23-208, Section 1(a) changed the birth date cutoff date from January 1 of any given school year to September 1 of any given school year. 

Reach out to your home school district to discuss the process for registration and placement in kindergarten. You can search for your local schools and find contact information on the Find Contacts website.