Junior Kindergarten /Kindergarten
Hawaii State Department of Education

What do parents need to know about ACT 178?

Starting school!

Entering kindergarten is a very exciting time! It is also a time of considerable adjustment for some children and their families. This adjustment may be even more challenging for young children whose developmental abilities may not readily match the expectation of school.

The Entrance Age

The cutoff age to enter kindergarten is inconsistent across the United States. The current cutoff age and date to enter kindergarten in Hawaii is age 5 by December 31, one of the latest among the states. Beginning in school year 2014-2015, the cutoff age and date to enter kindergarten in Hawaii will change to age 5 by July 31.

ACT 178 (SLH 2012)

ACT 178 changes the age criteria for children eligible to enroll in public school kindergarten in Hawaii beginning in the 2014-2015 school year. Children who turn 5 on or between January 1, 2009 through July 31, 2009 will be eligible to enroll in kindergarten. Governor Neil Abercrombie's Executive Office on Early Learning is developing an early learning program plan with a focus on targeting children not eligible for public school kindergarten. Details of the plan will be available after the 2013 Legislature ends.

	School Year 2012-2013 (Act 219)	School Year 2013-2014 (Act 219)	School Year 2014-2015 (Act 178)	School Year 2015-2016 (Act 178)
Birth dates eligible for kindergarten	January 1, 2007 August 1, 2007	January 1, 2008 August 1, 2008	January 1, 2009 July 31, 2009	August 1, 2009 July 31, 2010
Birth dates eligible for junior kindergarten	August 2, 2007 December 31, 2007	August 2, 2008 December 31, 2008	(no junior kindergarten)	(no junior kindergarten)

pencil drawing of happy boy outside

Act 219 (SLH 2004)

Act 219 changed the age criteria for kindergarten entry and established junior kindergarten. Beginning with school year 2006-07, children who are five years of age by August 1 will be enrolled in kindergarten. Children who are born from August 2 through December 31 will be enrolled in junior kindergarten.

Beginning with school year 2006-07:

Children who are five years of age on or before August 1 of the school year will be enrolled in kindergarten.
Children who are five years of age on or after August 2 and on or before December 31 of the school year will be enrolled in junior kindergarten.

Meeting the Needs of Young Students
Schools will focus on meeting the developmental and learning needs of all students. Teachers will provide learning experiences that are meaningful for young students. They will also help students develop the behaviors, skills, and attitudes they need to feel competent and confident in school.

photo of school girl

Kindergarten provides young students with positive experiences that are important in establishing the foundation for future school attitudes and success.

Public education for young children in Hawaii
Young children in Hawaii will benefit from attending public schools with quality kindergarten.

For further information, contact your child's school or Student Support Services Branch
Phone: (808) 203-5515
DOE web site: www.doe.k12.hi.us

Our goal is to provide all
students with positive early
experiences that promote
life long learners.

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Related..

Preparing your child for kindergarten
Is your 5-year-old kindergarten-ready?(Honolulu Advertiser, 050712)

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