The Board of Education shall establish entrance age requirements for students which are consistent with statute and sound educational practice and which ensure the equitable treatment of all eligible children.

A child is eligible for entrance into preschool if s/he attains the age of four (4) on or before August 31^st of the year in which s/he applies for entrance and has not yet attained the age at which s/he will be admitted to kindergarten.

A child is eligible for entrance into kindergarten if s/he attains the age of five on or before August 31st of the year in which s/he applies for entrance. A child under age six (6) who is enrolled in kindergarten will be considered of compulsory school age.

The Board may admit to kindergarten such children as may be ineligible by reason of age but demonstrate the ability and need to undertake a program of education.

The Board will designate the necessary standards and testing programs required for such early admission.

There will be a ten (10) day trial period at the beginning of the school year when early entrance students will be carefully observed by the teacher.

A child is eligible for entrance into first grade if s/he attains the age of six (6) on or before August 31^st of the year in which s/he applies for entrance and has completed the kindergarten program of this County or an equivalent program elsewhere and has been recommended by the teacher for advancement to the first grade. This requirement may only be waived if a request is made and approved by the County's Pupil Personnel Services Committee.

The Superintendent shall require that each child who registers for entrance to school provide:

If such documents are not provided, the child may be admitted under the Superintendent's guidelines. Appropriate law enforcement authorities may be notified.

The Superintendent shall also ensure that each child entering the County school system for the first time has been properly screened for hearing, vision, speech and language disabilities and have age appropriate immunizations as defined by the American Academy of Pediatrics and recommended by the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources. If documentation of the screenings for hearing, vision and speech, and language disabilities is not provided by the parents/guardians of the student, such screening shall be conducted by the County.

Any parent may provide the County with a written statement indicating that s/he does not wish to have his/her child screened; however, the parent must provide for the required screening at his/her expense. The screening must be provided by a physician or other licensed health care provider.

West Virginia Code 18-5-17, 18-5-18
West Virginia Board of Education Policy 2525

Revised 6/3/08