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Frequently Asked Questions about the Kindergarten Entry Age

Below are the frequently asked questions regarding the kindergarten entry age requirement.

Questions regarding the Change in the Law

Questions regarding the Kindergarten Bridge Program

Questions regarding "kindergarten readiness" & "developmentally appropriate"

Questions regarding the Impact on Preschool

Who can I contact if I have additional questions?
If you have any further questions about this process, please contact your school principal. If you are not sure which school your child will attend, you may use this link: Schools By Street or contact the Central Office at 860-638-1401.

Middletown Public Schools

Frequently Asked Questions about the Kindergarten Entry Age

Questions regarding the Change in the Law

What changed with regard to Kindergarten Start Age?

Are there any exceptions to this change? If my child will not be 5 on or before September 5, how will it be determined if they can start Kindergarten?

What if my child receives special education services?

Questions regarding the Kindergarten Bridge Program

I have a child who will not be 5 on or before September 1, 2025. Will Middletown Public Schools offer the kindergarten bridge program after the 2024-2025 school year?

Are there any options for families whose child does not meet the legal start age and whose screener indicates that it is not developmentally appropriate for them to start kindergarten early?

Could I choose to enroll my child in the kindergarten bridge program even if they are deemed developmentally appropriate to enter kindergarten, as determined by the screening tool?

Questions regarding "kindergarten readiness" & "developmentally appropriate"

How can I tell if my child is ready for Kindergarten? How do I know if my child is ready for Kindergarten? What signs should I be looking for beyond knowing their letters and numbers?

What might be the benefit of waiting until my child turns 5 to start kindergarten?

What resources are available to me in order to increase my child’s kindergarten readiness?

Questions regarding the Impact on Preschool

How will this affect access to preschool for students turning 3? Will there be available spots?

What is the timeline for decisions? How can I be sure my child will get a preschool position if they are deemed not developmentally ready for kindergarten? Is there financial support available for families that need to pay for another year of preschool?