The "Kindergarten and Pre-Kindergarten Enrollment Flexibility Act of 2026" aims to amend the compulsory school enrollment requirements in the District of Columbia. The bill allows parents to defer their child's kindergarten enrollment for one year without being considered truant, provided they meet specific criteria, such as notifying the District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) in writing and ensuring the child is enrolled in a licensed childcare program or pre-kindergarten class. Additionally, the bill introduces flexibility for parents of children born between June 16 and September 30, allowing them to enroll their children in Pre-K3, Pre-K4, or kindergarten based on their age during that timeframe.

The legislation includes amendments to existing laws, such as changing the enrollment cut-off date from September to August and establishing new rights for parents regarding public school enrollment applications. It specifies that children who turn 4, 5, or 6 years old between June 16 and September 30 can enroll in Pre-K3, Pre-K4, or kindergarten, respectively. The bill also mandates updates to the public school lottery application process to align with these new enrollment rights.