Resources on Early Learning
FAQs
What Is the Kindergarten Entry Age in Illinois?
To begin kindergarten in the state of Illinois, a child must be 5 years old on or before September 1 of the kindergarten year and live within the school's boundaries.
Do Illinois school districts assess school readiness?
In addition to age and residency requirements, districts may choose whether to consider an assessment of a child's readiness for school.
According to the Illinois School Code, children who will be 5 years old on or before September 1 may begin school. Based upon an assessment of a child's school readiness, a school district may choose to permit a child to attend school prior to that date, or it may choose not to do so. In a school district operating on a year-round school basis, children who will be age 5 within 30 days after a term starts may begin to attend school that term. For the full text of this code, see
Illinois school code, 105 ILCS 5/ § 10-20.12. School year-School age.
http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/documents/010500050k10-20.12.htm
How does the Illinois cutoff date compare with the dates used by other states?
Although September 1 seems to be the most frequently used cutoff date for kindergarten entry in the United States, states use dates ranging from January 1 to December 31. Some states, such as Colorado, let local education authorities decide upon a date.
To view a table of state kindergarten entrance age cutoff dates and mandatory attendance requirements, visit http://www.ecs.org/clearinghouse/50/00/5000.htm
Do all Illinois children have to attend kindergarten?
At present, Illinois requires districts to offer kindergarten but does not require that children attend kindergarten before being permitted to enroll in first grade. (1)
Is there legislation pending that would change Illinois kindergarten requirements?
A bill was introduced in 2003 to amend the School Code. This bill would lower the compulsory school age from 7 years to 5 years of age. This legislation also provides that if the parent or guardian of a child who is at least 4½ years of age deems it appropriate for the child to attend school, a school district must permit the child to attend school. The bill was referred to the Rules Committee on May 15, 2003. On January 11, 2005, this was Session Sine Die, so there is no specific date set for a future meeting of the Committee. (2)
1. Current Legislation: Pupils Compulsory Attendance.
Available: http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs4.asp?DocName=010500050HArt%
2E+26&ActID=1005&ChapAct=105%26nbsp%3BILCS%26nbsp%3B5%2F&ChapterID=
17&ChapterName=SCHOOLS&SectionID=49343&SeqStart=141500000&SeqEnd=
143900000&ActName=School+Code%2E
2. Proposed Bill: HB3811 SCH CD-LOWER COMPULSORY AGE.
Available: http://www.ilga.gov//legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=3811&GAID
=3&Doc
TypeID
=HB&LegID=6917&SessionID=3&GA=93
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