Kindergarten sign-ups begin next month

DOWNEY - Registration begins next month for kindergarten students starting school in the DUSD this September.Sign-ups will be taken at Downey elementary schools during April and May. Registration packets are available in school offices. To be eligible for kindergarten, children must be 5 years old on or before Oct. 1, 2013. A transitional kindergarten program is offered to children who turn 5 between Oct. 2 and Dec. 2. Transitional kindergarten is the first of a two-year kindergarten program. Interest forms are available at elementary school sites and parents are encouraged to submit them as soon as possible. Transitional kindergarten will be offered at Alameda, Gallatin, Unsworth and Williams elementary schools. Proof of age, either through a birth certificate, baptismal certificate or other legal document, must be presented at time of registration. Proof of residency in the Downey school district is also required when registering for kindergarten. In addition, parents must bring evidence their child receive a physical examination which must be completed after March 1, 2013. Parents should take the "Report of Health Examination for School Entry" to their doctor, pediatrician or health care provider. The county health department also provides physicals and school offices have a list of health care providers for parents without insurance or who cannot afford a physical exam. Parents must also bring their child's immunization record, which should be current. The child must have received an oral health assessment after Sept. 1, 2012. All eligibility requirements must be satisfied before students can be registered. For specific information about registration times and requirements, call (562) 469-6500 and ask for your local school. If you do not know which school your child will attend, call (562) 469-6553.

********** Published: March 14, 2013 - Volume 11 - Issue 48