It’s Time for Kindergarten Registration

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It’s Kindergarten Registration Day! We are registering my youngest today for kindergarten and are so excited. If this is your first time at kindergarten registration, here are a few tips:

1. Make sure your child’s birthday falls in the appropriate range.

If your child is going to be 5 years old by September 30, 2019, this is your year to register!

2. Make sure you have your required paperwork.

original copy of the birth certificate, two proofs of residency (a current lease agreement, house contract, mortgage statement or tax assessment AND current utility bill dated within the past 30 days), and your photo ID. 

If you have a copy of immunizations and health form, that is a bonus but not required to register. You will be required to bring them *before* school starts on Sept 3rd so I recommend bringing them now while you remember. Otherwise, you will get a call from the school in August to bring it to the office before they can finish enrolling your child. (Ask me how I know. Facepalm.)

3. Call your school to see if your child is required to come to registration.

Some schools have mini orientations for students while the parent fills out paperwork. Other schools schedule one-on-one student meetings in the coming weeks and your child doesn’t have to be at registration. 

Our school doesn’t require students to come to registration, but I’m going to bring my daughter because she is so excited to go to her school. It’s a great opportunity for them to get to see their school but make sure you bring something to keep them entertained will you fill out All. The. Papers. So many papers. 

4. Come with all the contact information for your emergency contacts.

You will be writing this a lot: on an authorization to pick up form, an emergency contact form, an authorization to receive your child off the bus form. Lots of forms. 

Also make you have the name and contact information of any health care providers for your child (pediatrician, dentist, specialists) as well as health insurance information.

5. Take a moment to soak it all in.

This is going to be your child’s community and your community for the next 6 years. So many great things are going to happen in this building. So many memories made, and lessons learned. 

The people at registration are going to be your people. The staff member registering you is likely the front office secretary that will help you when you forget all the things in the coming years. The principal will be your principal and an advocate for your child and their teachers. That PTA mom at the PTA table has been right where you are and is happy to answer any of those questions that you’re not quite sure who to ask. 

This is your community. This is your school. 

Welcome to elementary school. You’re going to be great.