Dear Parents and Guardians,

We are writing to share important information regarding a recent change in Connecticut state law related to kindergarten entry. Beginning with the upcoming school year, students must turn five years old on or before September 1 to be eligible for kindergarten enrollment.

The legislation does, however, allow districts to offer a kindergarten entry waiver for children who do not meet the September 1 cutoff but are determined to be developmentally ready for the demands of kindergarten. Our district will continue to offer this waiver process in a thoughtful and child-centered way.

There are many significant developmental milestones that typically occur between the ages of four and five. During this time, children often develop the ability to cross their midline, establish eye dominance, and strengthen visual tracking skills. These milestones are closely connected to early literacy tasks such as learning to read, writing, maintaining attention, and sustaining stamina throughout the school day. These foundational skills are essential for success in today’s kindergarten classrooms.

It is also important to note that kindergarten has changed significantly over the past 20 years. Students are now expected to sit and attend for longer periods of time, engage in structured learning throughout the day, and begin formal reading instruction as early as the fall.

For families interested in pursuing a waiver, please complete the google form here: Kindergarten Waiver 26-27 School Year

The waiver  process will take place between mid-February and mid-March. During this time, your child will be invited to attend a full day of kindergarten at their neighborhood school so that we can observe how they manage the academic, social, and physical demands of the classroom. A team including a kindergarten teacher, speech-language pathologist, occupational therapist, physical therapist, school psychologist, and other support staff will assess a variety of developmental milestones. Families will receive written notification of the decision within two weeks of the visit.

If a child does not meet the developmental milestones required for kindergarten entry, it does not reflect a lack of intelligence, motivation, or potential. Rather, it indicates that their body and development may not yet be ready for the increased demands of kindergarten. Starting school before a child is developmentally ready can sometimes lead to unnecessary frustration and challenges over the course of their school career.

We also encourage families to consider the long-term implications of early entry. Children who enter kindergarten early will always be among the youngest in their class. This can impact social development, athletics, and later transitions—such as leaving for college at age 17 or competing in sports with peers who may be a year to a year and a half older.

Our goal is to partner with families to make decisions that best support each child’s long-term academic, social, and emotional success. If you have questions about the kindergarten entry age, the waiver process, or your child’s readiness, please do not hesitate to reach out to your school’s main office.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support.

Sincerely,
Mary Hawk
Deputy Superintendent


For more information on Kindergarten registration for the 26-27 school year please visit our website at: https://www.bristol.k12.ct.us/central-registration-2