FAIRFIELD — Kindergarten is where most 4- and 5-year-olds begin the journey outside of the family structure. They learn the building blocks of education while roaming the playground with classmates, forming friendships that can last a lifetime.
This isn’t always easy for parents. So to help, here are some steps parents need to know before the first day starts:
• Find a school: A child’s school is typically determined by where his or her family lives. Some districts post maps online to help parents locate their school. But if parents have questions, they can call the district to make certain they have selected the proper one.
• Prove residency: Parents must prove a child is eligible to attend the school where they are registered. To do this, parents need to provide two of three things: a property tax payment receipt, rent payment receipt or valid property rental contract; a PG&E bill or receipt, deed or closing papers on home purchase; a declaration of residency executed by the student’s parent or guardian.
• Prove age: A birth certificate showing a child is the minimum age to attend kindergarten is required. The minimum age is a student turning 5 on or before Oct. 1 for the 2013-14 school year, Sept. 1 beginning with the 2014-15 year. However, there are exceptions to this.
• Get shots: Almost there. Lastly, parents need to provide an immunization record proving a child is current on vaccinations. Parents can opt out based on personal beliefs.
Reach John Glidden at 427-6981 or [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter at www.twitter/glid24.
