Kindergarten supports children's social, emotional and cognitive development through play, structured activities, and interaction with peers

Description

Kindergarten is an early childhood education program designed for children, typically around ages 5 - 6, before they enter first grade. Children learn foundational skills such as basic literacy and numeracy, as well as social skills like sharing and cooperation. Children experience a mix of hands-on activities, storytelling, art, and music, aiming to foster a love of learning and prepare them for future schooling.

Kindergarten is provided through Minnesota public school districts and charter schools. More information about kindergarten can be found online.

Features

• Area Served by County
  • Blue Earth County
  • Le Sueur County
  • Rice County
  • Waseca County

Eligibility

Children must be 5 years of age on or before September 1 of the calendar year that school starts and have received required immunizations. Children who are not yet five-years-old on or before September 1 may be considered for early entrance. Each school board establishes its own early admission policy for early entrance.

All district kindergarten programs require children to complete an early childhood screening before kindergarten or within 30 days of starting kindergarten. Charter school kindergarten programs may require early childhood screening – contact the school for more information. A child may meet the screening requirement by submitting a copy of a comparable health and developmental screening provided by Head Start, Child and Teen Checkups or through a health care provider. Families may conscientiously object by submitting a statement in writing to the school. Learn more about Early Childhood Screening online.

In Minnesota, kindergarten eligibility is based on age; it is not based on what your child knows and is able to do. All children who are 5 years of age on September 1 of the year of entrance can be enrolled in kindergarten. There are no required skills or tests to decide whether a child is ready, or not ready, to begin kindergarten (unless the child is being considered for early entrance).

Kindergarten is not mandatory in Minnesota. Families can choose to enroll their child; however, kindergarten offers an important school experience and enrollment is strongly encouraged.

Fee

There is no cost