Children who will turn 5 years old on or by Aug. 31, 2010 will be eligible to register for kindergarten in 2010. Parents are encouraged to register their children early for kindergarten by attending Kindergarten Screening scheduled at each elementary school generally held during the month of April.

"The transition from pre-school to elementary school can be an exciting but somewhat anxious time for many students and parents," said Superintendent Dr. Steve Stone.  For this reason, we hold Kindergarten Screening days in all our elementary schools. This day is set aside especially for rising kinders and their parents to help alleviate some of the uncertainty about starting school.

"To save time and reduce stress, parents should contact their home school, get their children's records in order and register their children in school as early as possible," said Stephen Martin, Elementary School Director. "The Kindergarten Screening days are ideal for students and parents to get ahead of the requirements in the fall and greatly assist teachers in preparing for our youngest new learners."

During Kindergarten Screening students and parents meet kindergarten teachers, become more familiar with the school campus, and receive information on curriculum-based programs offered at the school. Families are also invited to visit in-house stations providing information on different education support programs, such as WrapAround (before and after school program), meal choices and transportation services. Entering students also are given a basic screening assessment identifying motor, concepts, language, self help and social development. This positive experience culminates with children receiving a Kindergarten Readiness Kit, sponsored by the Education Foundation Inc. of Caldwell County.  Each child leaves with a kit filled with items such as crayons, scissors, glue sticks, books, play dough, jump rope, summer activity calendar, puzzles, D'Nealian Letter formation, Letterland alphabet, pencil grips, flash cards, cutting sheets for practice and other manipulatives helpful in preparing students for a successful first experience in public school.

For parents to register their child in kindergarten, they must bring the following documents to the Kindergarten Screening:

• Personal and emergency information,
• Verification of birth date --- a certified copy of the child's birth certificate or other satisfactory evidence;
• proof of residence (i.e. current utility bills, property deed or rental lease); and
• the child's updated immunization record.

North Carolina law also requires that every child have a completed Kindergarten Health Assessment form on or before the first day of school. The form must be completed no more than 12 months before the date of school entry. Kindergarten Health Assessment Forms are available at schools and/or health department. 

For additional assistance, contact your child's home school administrative office, call the Education Center at 728-8407 or visit http://www.dpi.state.nc.us/legal/SchoolEntry.html. 

Listed below are the Kindergarten Screening dates scheduled at elementary schools in the Caldwell County School System.

Caldwell County Schools

Kindergarten Screening

2010-2011 School Year

For more information on enrolling your child in kindergarten, contact the Caldwell County School System Education Center at 828.728.8407.