Frequently Asked Questions – PK-1

PK & Kindergarten Registration

FAQ’s

    1. What age can children begin kindergarten or PreK?

    A child must be five years old on or before October 1, of the upcoming school year to enroll in kindergarten.

    A child must be four years old on or before October 1, of the upcoming school year to enroll in PreK.

     

    1. What do I need to register my child for kindergarten?

    The following documentation is required:

    • A certified birth certificate for the child; (original with the raised seal)
    • Evidence of immunizations as required by New Jersey Law;
    • Four proofs of residency, and
    • A copy of a comprehensive physical examination by a qualified, licensed physician within 12 months prior to the date the child begins school. (Must be submitted within the first 30 days after school starts)

     

    1. My child just misses the deadline for enrollment in kindergarten or PreK by a few days. Is there a waiver of the age requirement?

    No. There is no waiver of the age requirement.

     

    1. Am I allowed to pick which school I want my child to attend?

    No, school district boundaries within the school district will be established by the Superintendent. In establishing these boundaries, due consideration will be given to the capacity of buildings, size of classes, distances, transportation and other pertinent factors. Students will attend the school in the school attendance area in which they reside, with few exceptions as noted in Board Policy.

     

    1. When is the first day of kindergarten or PreK and when will we learn who their teacher will be?

    You will receive a letter in the mail by mid-August from your child’s school stating who will be your child’s teacher, the first day of school, bus assignment, and time.

     

    If your child is enrolled in our PreK program they will be advised of the same information and if they are enrolled in the AM or PM class.

     

    1. My child is in Pre-K, can I choose the AM or PM class?

             No, the class assignment of the morning or afternoon classes for Pre-K is governed by the district board of education and where the student lives.

     

    1. What are the hours for the Kindergarten classes and the PreK classes?

    Kindergarten classes are from 9:05 am through 3:35 pm

    PreK AM classes are from 9:05 am through 11:35 am

    PreK PM classes are from 1:05 pm through 3:35 pm

     

    1. I work from 7:30 AM through 5:30 PM, is there a before and after school child care program at my child’s school?

    Yes, there are child care programs at several of the elementary schools. There is SPARTAN CARE at Oak Valley (7:00am -8:15am and 3:00 pm-6:00 pm) and Pine Acres Schools (7:00 am -9 am and 3:45 pm-6:00 pm). This program is fee-based under the Board of Education. For more information please call Ms. Mills 609-221-5963 or visit www.deptford.k12.nj.us

    Though the school district does not offer a traditional “latchkey” program at the other schools, there is a program available through the YMCA. This too is a fee-based program that operates independently from the school district. For more information, call the YMCA at (856) 845-0720 or visit www.ymcagloco.org . Child care under this independent program is available weekdays from 7-9 am and 3-6 pm.

     

     

     

    1. How will I know where and when to wait for the school bus?

    When you receive your letter in mid-August about when kindergarten or PreK begins, you also will receive the transportation information, i.e. bus number, an approximate time of pick-up, and drop-off of students. A responsible adult should be there with your child at least 15 minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive in the morning and the afternoon for drop-off of student.

     

     

    1. May I attend school with my child the first few days?

    No, however you will be given the opportunity to attend part of your child’s orientation day. A letter is sent to your home during mid-August indicating the date and time for this orientation. You may also schedule a time through the office. Impromptu visits are discouraged as this can be a distraction and hinder the education of the class.

     

    1. What school supplies will my child need?

    Supply lists are available directly from your child’s school, and may vary a little from teacher-to-teacher or building-to-building. For kindergarten and PreK, you will receive a copy in the mail by mid-August and during Parent Orientation, In addition, supply lists will be available on the school’s website and/or posted at each of the elementary schools.

     

    1. Will someone make sure my child gets on the right bus?

    Measures are in place in every building to make certain new students board the proper busses, including teachers and volunteers who walk students to their bus.

     

    1. My child’s grandmother takes care of him after school but she lives on the other side of town. Will the school bus stop in front of her house?

    There are standard bus stops within each elementary school attendance zone with approximate times of pickup and drop off of elementary students. If your child care arrangements are not within the same school attendance zone, you will need to make other transportation arrangements or look for child care within your same school attendance zone.

     

    1. I am separated from my spouse and I don’t want him/her to visit or pick up my child. Will you make sure that doesn’t happen?

    Anyone other than the natural parent of a child must provide legal guardianship papers when enrolling a child in school. If your spouse is the natural parent of your child and you do not have legal papers showing court ordered arrangements, we must, by law, allow the parent to see the child.

     

    1. How can I get my child ready for kindergarten?

    The most important thing to prepare for kindergarten is to help your child develop a positive attitude about school and the wonderful things he/she will be learning. Other activities that will stimulate learning include:

    • reading to your child and sharing picture books every day develops an interest in reading;
    • practice writing his/her name with crayons, pencils or markers;
    • counting with picture books, snacks (pretzels, fish crackers, etc.) or while setting the table for dinner;
    • reading and enjoying alphabet books and recognizing letters of the alphabet in everyday life (ex. restaurants, cereal boxes, road signs, etc.);
    • recognizing, naming and drawing basic shapes;
    • practicing your phone number and address;
    • coloring; and
    • cutting.
    • It is necessary that children participate in these activities in a natural, relaxed environment.

 

Registration