Early Entry to Kindergarten/1st Grade

Early entrance is designed for the exceptional child who is both academically ready and socially and emotionally mature compared to others of their chronological age. Early entrance is designed for the child who is highly motivated and easily achieves when presented with new academic and social challenges.  Before initiating the process, the child’s family should reflect on the following questions, as early entrance is a long-term decision:

• Is my child capable of working in a classroom setting with children who are one year older?
• Will my child be appropriately challenged by this placement? 
• What are the possible long-term impacts as my child progresses through elementary, middle, and high school (i.e., beginning college at a younger age)?
• Will my child be successful in a rigorous, challenging, and structured Kindergarten classroom? (e.g., no nap time, multiple daily transitions, independently use the restroom, etc)

Steps for Early Entrance into Kindergarten and 1st Grade 

• Step 1: Starting the Process 

  • The parent(s)/guardian(s) must complete and submit the request form to express interest in early admission into kindergarten or 1st grade for their child.  A translated copy of the request form can be provided as needed. The request must be made by March 1st, prior to the beginning of the school year in which early admission is sought.

  • The Director of Curriculum and Instruction will reach out to the family within 2 weeks of receiving the form to discuss next steps. 

request form

• Step 2: Data Gathering

  • The D31 Early Entrance Team will be formed, and includes:

    • Parents / Guardians of the Student 

    • Building Principal 

    • General Education Teacher 

    • School Psychologist 

    • Social Worker

    • District Administrator 

    • Additional team members as appropriate (e.g., EL representative, Special Education representative, members of the Curriculum & Instruction Department)

  • The D31 Acceleration Team will review the completed parent form, and the Director of Curriculum & Instruction will reach out to the parent to have the following forms completed:
    • Authorization for Exchange of School Student Records Form which provides permission for D31 school personnel to communicate directly with the child’s previous school program, teacher, or equivalent caregiver to collect evaluation data required for the process.  Teacher Feedback Form.
    • Additional information may be requested (including ratings, report cards, etc.)
    • Consent form to conduct any needed assessments.  

consent form

• Step 3: Recommendation is Determined 

  • Once the evaluation testing is complete, the D31 Early Entrance Team will compare students’ scores against the matrix to determine a final overall score and placement recommendation. 

  • The D31 early entrance matrix is comprehensive and includes specific measures and criteria to assess students’ levels of social-emotional skill sets, school/academic readiness, behavioral observations, and cognitive ability 

  • The recommendation will be noted on the student’s matrix. 

  • The Director of Curriculum and Instruction will communicate the placement decision to the student’s family by the end of the school year. 
     

 

• Step 4: After the Recommendation

  • If the student is recommended for early entrance, the family will coordinate with the District Office to begin the registration process.
    The early admission team, along with the student’s family, can meet throughout the year to evaluate the student’s progress and placement. 

  • If a parent or staff member wishes to appeal the decision, the appeal must be made in writing to the Superintendent or Designee within 10 school days of the team decision. 

    • The Superintendent or Designee will communicate the final decision in writing to the child’s parents/guardians within 10 school days of the appeal's submission.