Early Entrance Waiver
Early Entrance Waiver of the August 1st
Age Requirements 2025-2026 School Year
Indiana Code 20-33-2-7 and Duneland School Corporation’s Policy 5112 continue to require a student entering kindergarten to be five (5) years of age on or before August 1, 2025 in order to qualify for entrance for the 2025-2026 school year. Duneland’s policy also permits a parent or guardian to request a waiver of this date if the child’s birthday is between August 2, 2025 and September 1, 2026.
To Apply for a Waiver
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Complete the Application for Early Entrance to Kindergarten on or before July 31, 2025.
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School personnel will contact the parent/guardian to schedule an appointment with you and your child for a kindergarten readiness screening.
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Legal birth certificate must be brought to screening.
Determination
After the necessary data has been obtained, a decision will be made by the Director of Teaching & Learning or designee, with consultation from the principal and certified test administrator.
Notification
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If approved, the family will be informed on how to proceed with enrolling their child in kindergarten for the fall.
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If denied, the family will be informed why their child was deemed ineligible and be informed of enrollment procedures when the student reaches the required age.
Final Appeal
A parent or guardian may appeal to the Superintendent in writing within ten (10) days of notification. The Superintendent’s ruling is final.
The Superintendent or designee may deny any waiver requested based on enrollment factors such as school capacity.
Early Entrance Waiver Assessments
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Brigance Early Childhood Screen III: evaluates the key predictors of school success by addressing physical, language and cognitive development, academic and social-emotional skills, and self-help.
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Minnesota Executive Functioning System: screens a child’s neuro-cognitive skills needed for successful learning and performance in school, work and life. This iIncludes cognitive flexibility, working memory, and inhibitory control.
Draw a Picture: Drawing a picture assists with conversation and the “interview.”
Interview
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Parent-School: school personnel will have an interview session with the parent or guardian to become acquainted and learn about the child.
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Educator-Child: the educator will interview the child and in doing so, will informally evaluate the child’s level of maturity, social skills, fine motor skills, auditory and visual perception, and language skills.