- Dublin City Schools
- Gifted Services
- Early Entrance to Kindergarten
Early Entrance to Kindergarten
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EARLY ENTRANCE to kindergarten application and screening process for the 2024-25 school year opens APRIL 1, 2024 and applications must be received by MAY 10, 2024. Dublin City Schools evaluates students for Early Entrance to Kindergarten in accordance with the ODE Model Policy for Academic Acceleration.
What is early entrance to kindergarten?Early entrance to kindergarten is considered one type of academic acceleration as defined by the Ohio Department of Education (ODE). Early entrance is designed for the exceptional child who is both academically talented as well as developmentally mature when compared to others his or her chronological age. Some children may appear exceptional simply because of their access to opportunities (e.g., preschool programs, parents working with them on skills, or access to learning materials). Early entrance is designed for the child who has high ability and easily achieves when presented with new material. Once the decision has been made for early entrance, the choice is difficult to reverse. If a child is evaluated as a good candidate for early entrance to kindergarten, it is important that all stakeholders are supportive of the decision.
What is expected of students in Kindergarten?
Expectations for today’s Kindergarten students have changed considerably over the past decade. Today’s Kindergarten students are engaged in a rigorous instructional program aligned to state standards with the purpose of preparing today’s students for a world that is rapidly changing. For more information about Kindergarten readiness, visit the Ohio Department of Education Getting Ready for Kindergarten Checklist which can act as a guide for parents to determine if a child is ready for Kindergarten.
Application & Screening Process
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STEP 1: APPLICATION AND SCREENINGApplication Window: April 1 - May 10, 2024
- A parent may request early entrance to kindergarten if their student turns five after the school district’s kindergarten date of September 30th and before January 1.
- Early entrance to kindergarten for students not age five before January 1 will only be considered if the child is referred by an educator within the district, a preschool educator who knows the child, a pediatrician or psychologist who knows the child (Ohio Revised Code 3321.01).
- If you feel your child is a good candidate, please fill out the forms once they are available on April 1, 2024.
STEP 2: EVALUATIONEvaluations are completed June 3-7, 2024
- If a student is born after January 1. We will use the IOWA acceleration scale per ODE guidelines.
- Screening of viable candidates will take place in June 2024 using a cognitive assessment given by a school psychologist.
- If a student is recommended for second-round full-scale evaluation, that process will take approximately 2 ½ - 3 hours
- Dates for further evaluation will be determined and shared after the initial cognitive assessment.
STEP 3: RESULTSResults are shared within 7 days of June 14, 2024
- A team (parents & district personnel) will convene to review results. A recommendation is then made in regards to appropriate placement for the upcoming school year.
- Eligible: A Written Acceleration Plan (WAP) will be completed prior to placement in the accelerated setting. It will include strategies to support a successful transition.
- Not Eligible: The student is not suited for early entrance to kindergarten at this time. Parent(s) or legal guardian(s) have the right to appeal in writing to the Superintendent within thirty calendar days of receiving the results of the evaluation for early entrance. The Superintendent or their designee shall review the appeal and notify parent(s)/legal guardian(s) within thirty calendar days of receiving the appeal. The Superintendent or their designee’s decision shall be final.