This bill amends Section 16-28-4 of the Code of Alabama 1975 to change the minimum age for attendance at public schools. Under the current law, a child who is six years old by December 31 or the date on which school begins in the enrolling district is entitled to admission to the first grade. The bill changes this requirement to five years old by September 1 or the date on which school begins in the enrolling district. Additionally, the bill allows for certain circumstances in which a child who is under five years old on September 1 may be admitted to public kindergarten, and a child who is under six years old on December 31 may be admitted to public school first grade. The bill also specifies that an underage child may be admitted to public kindergarten on approval of the local board of education, on a space available basis, under certain circumstances.

The bill also includes provisions for children who have not successfully completed kindergarten or demonstrate first grade readiness. A child who is six years old by December 31 or the date on which school begins in the enrolling district, and who has not successfully completed kindergarten, may be admitted to the first grade if they demonstrate first grade entry readiness, as determined by the State Board of Education. If a child does not meet first grade readiness, they shall enroll in kindergarten. The bill also allows for an underage child to be admitted to public school first grade if they transfer from the first grade of a school in another state. The bill clarifies that nothing in this section affects the eligibility of students for special education services as provided by federal and state law.

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