Early Learning and School Readiness

Kindergarten and KRA-L

Kindergarten

The only criterion for kindergarten entrance is age eligibility. A child must be 5 years of age to be admitted to kindergarten and 6 years of age to be admitted to first grade. (Please check with your school district for the kindergarten entrance date in either August or September.)

A parent may request early admission to kindergarten if the child turns age 5 after the district’s kindergarten entrance date and before January 1. The local board of education shall determine early entrance through a standardized testing program.

By November 1, kindergarten children must be screened for vision, hearing, speech and communication, medical problems, and any developmental disorders. If screening reveals the possibility of potential learning needs, the district must provide further assessment. Screenings are not intended to diagnose educational disability; are not to be used for placement procedures; and, cannot be used to determine kindergarten eligibility.

KRA-L

The Ohio Department of Education (ODE) has developed a brief assessment tool, the Kindergarten Readiness Assessment – Literacy (KRA-L). The KRA-L is administered to all public school children in kindergarten prior to October 1st. The assessment measures skill areas important to becoming a successful reader and teachers will use data in planning appropriate literacy instruction.

If you are interested in professional development sessions, please complete a PD Request Form.