This bill proposes the addition of a new section to South Dakota law that allows school districts to adopt policies permitting the admission of children younger than five years old into their kindergarten programs. Specifically, children who will turn five after September 1 and before December 1 of the admission year may be considered for enrollment if they demonstrate the necessary cognitive and social skills to meet kindergarten standards and progress to first grade the following year. The bill mandates that any policy adopted must outline the evaluation process for assessing these skills.

Additionally, the bill allows parents or guardians of children younger than five to apply for enrollment in a different school district if their resident district has not adopted a policy for early kindergarten admission. It also amends existing law to ensure that school districts must grant transfer applications for children under certain conditions, including those excused from attending their resident district or those provided with alternative instruction, as well as those admitted under the new kindergarten policy. The amendments clarify the criteria under which transfers can be denied, focusing on the district's ability to maintain a quality educational program.

Statutes affected:
Introduced, 02/04/2026: 13-28-41