The bill amends Section 16-28-4 of the Code of Alabama 1975 to establish new requirements for children's admission to public schools, specifically regarding kindergarten and first grade. It changes the minimum age for kindergarten admission from six years to five years, requiring children to be five years old on or before September 1 or the start date of school in their district. Additionally, it stipulates that children must complete kindergarten or demonstrate readiness for first grade before being admitted to first grade. The bill also allows for underage children to be admitted to kindergarten under certain conditions, such as transferring from a kindergarten in another state or meeting specific criteria set by the local board of education.

Furthermore, the bill introduces provisions for children who are six years old by December 31 but have not completed kindergarten, allowing them to enter first grade if they demonstrate readiness through an assessment approved by the State Board of Education. It also clarifies that underage children transferring from first grade in another state may be admitted to first grade regardless of their age. The bill emphasizes that no public school system will lose teacher units due to these changes and outlines that the implementation may require new or increased local funding. The act will take effect three months after its passage unless certain conditions are met.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 16-28-4
Engrossed: 16-28-4