Dublin City School District - A Parent's Guide for Early Admission to Kindergarten or First Grade - School year 2020-2021
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Dublin City School District A Parent’s Guide for Early Admission to Kindergarten or First Grade – School year 2020-2021 Department of Academics and Student Learning Gifted Services 5175 Emerald Parkway Dublin, Ohio 43017
A Parent’s Guide to January 2020
Early Entrance to Kindergarten/1st Grade
Is Early Entrance to Kindergarten or 1st Grade
the Best Choice for Your Child?
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Early entrance should be viewed as a means of meeting a child’s needs. Early
entrance to kindergarten or first grade is considered a whole grade acceleration and
is intended for high ability, academically talented students. A child’s birth date does
not indicate readiness for early entrance. The key to determining whether or not
early entrance is appropriate for a child is developmental readiness, both
academically and socially. Even though a child may have strong ability, he/she may
not be ready for a whole grade level acceleration. Social maturity, personal
development, and motor development are important factors for a child’s success in
school, particularly kindergarten and first grade.
Early entrance is designed for the exceptional child who is both academically
talented as well as developmentally mature when compared to others his or
her chronological age. Some considerations when determining if early entrance is
right for a child:
• Is my child capable of working in a classroom setting with children who are
one to two years older?
• Will my child be frustrated by this placement?
• What are the possible long-term impacts for my child as he/she progresses
through elementary, middle and high school?
• Early entrance is not designed as a replacement for child care. Is this a need
or a want?
• Do I understand the expectations for students with regard to early learning
within Ohio? (See Ohio Department of Education)
o http://education.ohio.gov/Topics/Early-Learning
• What’s Lost When We Rush Kids Through Childhood
o https://www.edutopia.org/article/whats-lost-when-we-rush-kids-
through-childhood
There is a difference between ability and achievement. Some children may appear
exceptional simply because of their access to opportunities (e.g., preschool
programs, parents working with them on skills, or access to learning materials).
Early entrance is designed for the child who not only has high ability but easily
achieves when presented new material.
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Dublin City Schools Page - 2 -A Parent’s Guide to January 2020
Early Entrance to Kindergarten/1st Grade
Once the decision has been made for early entrance, the choice is difficult to reverse.
If a child is evaluated as a good candidate for early entrance to kindergarten or first
grade, it is important that all stakeholders are supportive of the decision.
What to look for in the areas of ability, achievement, aptitude, behavior?
My child seems advanced beyond other children his/her age in these ways:
• Reads and understands text in picture books or chapter books.
• Is writing full name, phrases, and sentences.
• Is able to identify, write, and represent numeric values 0 – 20.
• Problem solves math-related situations better than other children his/her age.
1. Is able to correctly solve math computation problems.
• Understands the meaning and use of words better than other children his/her
age.
• Is curious about many things and asks questions often.
• Is very good at working puzzles or solving problems.
• Has a great sense of humor and understands jokes more than other children
his/her age.
• Has a good memory and remembers details of conversations or stories.
• Is interested in difficult concepts such as time and space.
• Concentrates on certain activities much longer than other children his/her age.
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Dublin City Schools Page - 3 -A Parent’s Guide to January 2020
Early Entrance to Kindergarten/1st Grade
Ohio Department of Education – Policy and
Procedures for Early Entrance
To Kindergarten or 1st Grade
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Requesting Early Admission – Ohio
Early Admission to Kindergarten
A parent may request early admission to kindergarten if the child turns five years of
age between October 1 and December 31, 2020. Dublin City School’s shall
determine entrance through standardized testing.
A formal recommendation is necessary for early entrance to kindergarten if a
student turns five after December 31, 2020. The recommendation should be written
by a professional educator or doctor who has worked with the child extensively.
Early Admission to First Grade
This acceleration request is for students who are eligible to enroll as kindergarten
students for school year 2020-21 but exhibit high cognitive ability and strong
academic knowledge.
Acceleration
State of Ohio
Early entrance to Kindergarten or 1st grade is typically addressed through gifted
education. Early entrance falls under the State of Ohio’s Model Student Acceleration
Policy. According to the Ohio Revised Code (3324.01), “gifted” means students who
perform or show potential for performing at remarkably high levels of
accomplishment when compared to others of their age, experience, or environment
and who are identified under Division (A), (B), (C), or (D) of Section 3324.03 of the
Revised Code.
A unique type of whole-grade acceleration is early entrance (i.e., kindergarten or
first grade). For academically talented young children, early entrance to school may
be an excellent option. There is abundant evidence that bright children who are
carefully selected for early entrance generally perform very well, both academically
and socially (A Nation Deceived: how Schools Hold Back America’s Brightest
Students, 2004).
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Dublin City Schools Page - 4 -A Parent’s Guide to January 2020
Early Entrance to Kindergarten/1st Grade
Dublin City Schools - District Procedure for
Early Entrance KG/1st Grade
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1. Age Eligibility
A student must be age five (5) to enter kindergarten. Compulsory school age is six
(6). However, if a child enters kindergarten at age 5, he or she is considered to be of
compulsory school age. No district shall admit to the first grade a child who has
not successfully completed kindergarten. The Dublin City School District
considers a child eligible for entrance into “regular” kindergarten if he/she attains
the age of five on or before September 30th of the year he/she applies for entrance.
2. Board of Education Adopted State of Ohio Policy
On September 18, 2006 the Dublin Board of Education adopted the State of Ohio’s
Model Student Acceleration Policy for Advanced Learners:
Children who are referred for evaluation for possible accelerated placement
60 or more days prior to the start of the school year shall be evaluated in
advance of the start of the school year so that the child may be placed in the
accelerated placement on the first day of school.
Children who will not yet be the proper age for entrance to kindergarten or
first grade by the first day of January of the school year for which admission is
requested shall also be evaluated for possible early admittance if referred by
an educator within the district, a pre-school educator who knows the child, or
pediatrician or psychologist who knows the child.
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Dublin City Schools Page - 5 -A Parent’s Guide to January 2020
Early Entrance to Kindergarten/1st Grade
Expectations of Kindergarten Students
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1. Introduction
Kindergarten, like many other areas of education, has changed considerably.
Today’s kindergarten students are engaged in a rigorous instructional program. In
addition, Ohio’s new learning standards are more rigorous and extensive with
respect to expectations of young student’s learning readiness.
What are some important school and academic factors?
My child:
• Enjoys learning new information or skills;
• Participates in community-sponsored activities such as sports, dance, gymnastics,
library and museum programs;
• Believes he/she is capable of succeeding at new tasks.
• Has the ability to attend, or pay attention, for relatively long periods of instruction.
• He/she can draw and trace basic shapes and cut with scissors.
What are some important developmental factors?
My child has the following developmental characteristics:
• He/she has average fine and large motor coordination (i.e., holding a pencil,
skipping);
• He/she is able to use the computer to play games or find information.
• He/she can use the bathroom without adult help.
• He/she can button and zip up shirts and pants, tie or Velcro shoes and put on and
take off his/her coat.
• Has the ability to separate from the parent without being upset.
What are some important interpersonal skills for entering school?
My child:
• Thoughtfully considers feedback and criticism and modifies behavior appropriately;
• Often behaves in a way that is positive and effective;
• Has good interpersonal skills with age-mates, as well as with both older and
younger children and with adults;
• Has excellent interpersonal relationships with adults in a teaching role.
• Has the ability to follow routines.
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Dublin City Schools Page - 6 -A Parent’s Guide to January 2020 Early Entrance to Kindergarten/1st Grade What are some important attitudes and supports necessary for success in school? My child is enthusiastic about going to kindergarten or first grade. As a parent, I understand that a child’s success in school depends on support provided at home. I am able to give my child additional support to help in his/her transition to a new setting with much higher academic demands than he/she encountered in preschool. 2. Ohio Department of Education Website Parents can easily access more information about Kindergarten at the Ohio Department of Education website. http://education.ohio.gov/Parents http://education.ohio.gov/Topics/Early-Learning/Early-Learning-Content- Standards http://education.ohio.gov/Topics/Other-Resources/Gifted-Education/Resources- for-Parents/The-Young-Gifted-Child 3. Dublin City School District’s Kindergarten Program Kindergarten in the Dublin City School District is a half-day program. (AM Kindergarten is from 9:10-11:50 am. and PM Kindergarten is from 1:00-3:40 pm). First grade is a full day program which begins at 9:10 am and dismisses at 3:40 pm. _________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Dublin City Schools Page - 7 -
A Parent’s Guide to January 2020
Early Entrance to Kindergarten/1st Grade
Kindergarten Readiness Checklist
To do well in school, children need to be supported and nurtured in all areas of
development.
It is also important that your child is physically, socially and emotionally ready for
school. This checklist can help serve as your guide. But please remember, young
children change so fast. If they cannot do something this week, you may see them do
it a couple of
Is your child ready for kindergarten? Ask yourself these questions:
Development Area Tips and Activities to Help Prepare Your Child
Physical Skills - Does your child… ▪ Materials that will help your child develop the motor skills
▪ enjoy outdoor play such as running, jumping, and climbing; needed to learn to write include crayons, markers, pencils,
▪ draw and trace basic shapes; glue, scissors, paper and paint, puzzles, legos and blocks.
▪ cut with scissors; ▪ Activities that will help your child’s coordination include
▪ bounce a ball; climbing, jumping, skipping, playing ball, using
▪ ride a tricycle? playground equipment and riding a tricycle.
Health and Safety Needs - Has your child…
▪ had required shots (or provide a signed waiver);
▪ had a dental exam; ▪ Help your child learn his or her full name, address and
▪ had a vision exam; telephone number.
▪ learned own first and last name; ▪ Help your child to look both ways when crossing the street.
▪ learned first and last name of parent; ▪ Talk with your child about strangers and who to go to for
▪ learned to watch for cars when crossing the street; help.
▪ learned to not talk to strangers; ▪ Use bedtime as the opportunity to read to and talk with
▪ developed a set routine for going to bed; learned to follow your child.
safety rules?
Personal needs - Without your help, can your child… ▪ Create morning and bedtime bathing and tooth-brushing
▪ use the bathroom; routines.
▪ wash hands; ▪ Allow your child to dress themselves
▪ brush teeth; ▪ Practice putting on shoes
▪ use tissue to blow nose; ▪ Help your child learn to use their words to tell other
▪ button and zip up shirts and pants; grownups when they are feeling sick or hurt.
▪ put on and take off coat;
▪ tie and/or use velcro shoes?
Social and Emotional Skills - Does your child… ▪ Give your child small chores to learn responsibility.
▪ play well with other children; ▪ Help your child learn to follow directions by giving
▪ separate from a parent without being upset; simple steps.
▪ share with other children; ▪ Encourage your child to share.
▪ care about the feelings of others; ▪ Praise your child when he or she does something well.
▪ follow routines; ▪ Provide guidance when your child is having difficulty
▪ put toys away when asked?
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Dublin City Schools Page - 8 -A Parent’s Guide to January 2020
Early Entrance to Kindergarten/1st Grade
Applying for Early Entrance to Kindergarten or
1st grade
Fall 2020
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• Upon review of the aforementioned information you believe that your child meets
the criteria for consideration of early entrance screening, please access and
complete our Google application form by visiting our web site:
www.dublinschools.net /gifted.aspx. Our Google form will be accessible Monday,
March 30, 2020 through Friday, May 8, 2020. This online application will be
considered your formal registration for early entrance screening of your child.
• Your completed Google form must be submitted to Dublin City Schools Gifted
Services no later than 11:59 p.m. Friday, May 8, 2020. The online google form
registration will no longer be accessible as of 12:01 a.m. Friday, May 9, 2020.
• For the 2020-21 academic year, the evaluations will be coordinated through Gifted
Services. After you submit the Google form, a confirmation email will be sent to
you. After gifted services your application you will be asked via email to provide
the following:
1. A copy of your child’s birth certificate or passport including date of birth
2. Proof of residency by providing a copy of your most recent gas or electric
bill
3. Documentation from your child’s current or prior preschool educational
program
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Dublin City Schools Page - 9 -A Parent’s Guide to January 2020
Early Entrance to Kindergarten/1st Grade
The Evaluation Process
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How will my child be evaluated for early entrance to Kindergarten or 1st grade?
• Screening of viable candidates will take place the week of May 25, 2020, with
results to be shared with parents via email or phone within two days.
• Exact date, time and location of screening will be shared with you via email
Wednesday, May 13 by 5:00 p.m.
• Initial screening for early entrance will take approximately 60-90 minutes
• If a student is recommended for a second-round full-scale evaluation, that
process will take approximately 2 ½ - 3 hours.
• For planning purposes parents are asked to be available the week of May 26-
29
• Because early entrance is considered a whole grade acceleration, high ability and
academic achievement are vital for success when a child enters Kindergarten or 1st
grade early.
• Students are screened with the Woodcock Johnson IV tests of cognitive
abilities and achievement (brief and full-scale assessments). In some cases,
an alternative test is selected from the list below.
Instruments used:
The following Instruments may be used in the screening and evaluation process:
Naglieri-Third Edition, Woodcock Johnson Tests of Cognitive Abilities (WJIV-COG),
the Cognitive Abilities Test, the Terra Nova, Stanford, or Woodcock Johnson Tests of
Achievement (WJIV-ACH).
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Dublin City Schools Page - 10 -A Parent’s Guide to January 2020
Early Entrance to Kindergarten/1st Grade
Timeline for Google form and Screening for
Early Entrance to Kindergarten or 1st Grade
Fall 2020
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March 30-May 8 Early Entrance to kindergarten or 1st grade – Google Form
available
May 8, 11:59 p.m. Deadline to submit Google form
Week of May 26-29 Evaluations for early entrance
Within 2 days of Notification of outcome of the evaluation process
screening
IMPORTANT
Very few children qualify for early entrance to Kindergarten or 1st Grade. Please make sure you proceed
with childcare arrangements as a contingency. If you are selecting a Preschool program, please understand
that those programs routinely fill up quickly; we recommend you register your child for your selected
daycare or preschool program. If you are applying to early entrance to Kindergarten, you do not register or
enroll your child as a Kindergarten student within Dublin City Schools. If your child meets the criteria for
early entrance to Kindergarten, the Gifted Services office will assist you with enrollment. If you are
applying for screening for early entrance to 1st Grade, you will need to enroll your child into Kindergarten.
If your child meets the criteria for placement into 1st Grade, that enrollment acceleration will take place
through the Gifted Services office.
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