| Kindergarten |
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Kindergarten in the Rockford Public Schools |
The Rockford Public Schools offer a year of rich and varied kindergarten programs for children beginning at age five (5). These kindergartens emphasize meeting the social, emotional, intellectual, and physical needs of young children. Readiness skills in language arts, reading, math, music, visual arts, social studies, science, physical education and health are introduced and taught in a child-centered environment. Children learn to interact and cooperate with one another and gain self-confidence to be successful learners.
Kindergarten options include all-day and bilingual classes. Specialized themes are offered in three of the District’s elementary schools. Services are also available for students with special needs who require either resource or self-contained classroom environments. |
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ALL-DAY KINDERGARTEN |
All-day classes offer children who are ready for a longer school day an expanded kindergarten experience. These kindergarten classes are the length of a full school day, about six (6) hours.
All-day programs expand on the social, emotional, physical and intellectual needs emphasized in the half-day programs while also offering additional enrichment activities. |
BILINGUAL KINDERGARTEN |
| All-day bilingual kindergarten provides instruction to limited-English-proficient students in their native language. These classes are offered in a select number of schools throughout the District. Eligibility for the bilingual program is determined by a language assessment test. |
THEME SCHOOLS |
Theme schools offer all-day kindergarten and are intended to attract students from throughout the District.
All theme schools adhere to the basic core curriculum offered to students in traditional schools and offer a variety of specialized educational opportunities for students with special interests or talents. |
TO APPLY |
To apply for kindergarten, a child must be five years old on or before September 1 of his/her kindergarten year. Residences within District 205 have been assigned an elementary attendance area that contains a “neighborhood” school. Students living within the attendance areas are NOT automatically assigned to kindergarten at the neighborhood school. They will, however, receive a priority to attend the neighborhood school during the kindergarten application process (takes place in January). Additionally, siblings of students attending a school are granted a priority for assignment to that school.
The Kindergarten Enrollment Period for assignment for the 2009-2010 school year will take place January 12 - February 20. For more information call 815-967-8070.
We are currently in the walk-in process for current year 2008-2009 which assigns students on a first-come, first-served basis. |
PHYSICAL EXAMS AND IMMUNIZATIONS |
Illinois State Law requires that all children must show proof of having a health examination and all required immunizations PRIOR to entering school.
Kindergarten students must have a physical examination within one year prior to school enrollment in August.
Students must show proof of basic immunization and required boosters for Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, Polio, Red Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Haemophilus Influenzae Type B (pre-school), and Hepatitis B (pre-school and 5th).
Students entering pre-school and kindergarten must show proof of a lead screening. It is mandatory for students living in ZIP codes 61101, 61102, 61103 and 61104. This information is included on the school health examination form. Children whose parents or legal guardians object to health examinations or to the required immunizations may submit a letter explaining their religious beliefs and request an exception to the law.
The required health examinations, immunizations, and lead screening may be obtained at any doctor’s office, clinic or the Winnebago County Health Department. The Rockford Public Schools, in cooperation with the Health Department, offers these services at a reduced cost. Please contact your school nurse or the Health Department (962-5092) for more information. |
STEPS FOR ENROLLING YOUR CHILD IN KINDERGARTEN |
1. Contact the FAMILY RESOURCE CENTER to see if an appointment is necessary. If they are taking walk-ins, go to the Roosevelt Community Education Center at 978 Haskell Ave. While there you can gather individual school information such as school profiles, program brochures, and school report cards, and meet with an Assignment Specialist to fill out an application.
2. Bring ALL required DOCUMENTATION
Original Birth Certificate, Visa, or Passport (hospital certificate, baptismal, and photocopies not acceptable)
Two Proofs of Address
ONE OF THE FOLLOWING:
• Mortgage Closing Papers (homeowners)(intent to purchase will not be accepted)
• Signed and dated lease and proof of last month’s payment, e.g. canceled check or receipts (renters)(must be within last 30 days)
• “Letter of Residence” to be used when the person seeking to enroll a student is living with a District resident - Resident must provide two proofs of address (form available at the Family Resource Center)
OR
TWO OF THE FOLLOWING:
• Most recent property tax bill and proof of payment, e.g. canceled check or Form 1098(homeowners)
• Utility Bills (must be within last 30 days)
• Current DHS Medical Card (must be within last 30 days)
• Home visit verifying residency documents.
• Mail received at new residence, including forwarded mail (only ONE of these will be accepted)
*Drivers License, Rent Receipts and Voter’s Registration, etc. can be obtained under false pretenses and may NOT be used for verification of residency.
3. APPLY for an assignment at the Family Resource Center.
4. Register at the assigned school in August.
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HOURS |
HOURS:
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday
9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Wednesday
11:00 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
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