Online kindergarten registration begins April 4 for families of rising kindergartners (age 5 or older by Sept. 1, 2016). Parents may start the school registration process by accessing registration on the website for their child’s new school. To complete registration, parents/guardians will need to attend registration activities at the local schools on May 5 to submit birth records and required health and residence information. Families are encouraged to bring their rising kindergartener to the school event for important screenings and activities. Times and activities for the May 5 Kindergarten Registration activities vary from school to school so contact the local school for details. Check your school’s website for more info.

Kindergarten in GCPS is a full-day program. Registration for the new school year takes place before the summer to provide time to organize classes and to allow students to participate in local school activities that will help them get ready for their first day of school. The first day of school for the 2016-17 school year is Monday, August 8, 2016.

Parents and guardians should check the school website or call their local elementary school for registration times. Visit the “2016 Kindergarten Registration” section on the GCPS website (www.gwinnett.k12.ga.us, click on “Register for…” located in the middle of the page, then select “Kindergarten”) for more information and school phone numbers.

Parents and guardians should bring the following on May 5 in order to complete the child’s registration for kindergarten:

• It’s important for rising kindergarteners to participate in this exciting day for their family. Schools offer activities and screenings on registration day. Parents and guardians should check with their school for details.

• An official document showing proof of birth date. Examples include an original birth certificate or birth registration, an official state or federal form with date of birth, or a passport. For a fee, parents can order a birth certificate for a child born in Georgia through the state’s ROVER service. (http://gta.georgia.gov/rover)

• Proof of residency in the attendance zone. The school requires proof of residency, which may be verified by presenting a current utility bill (excluding telephone bills) with one of the following documents:

– a non-contingent sales contract

– current lease/rental agreement

– most recent income tax return

– current paycheck stub

– current residential property tax statement or bill

– current warranty or quitclaim deed

– current home purchase agreement

– current homeowner’s insurance policy

Documents presented for residency verification must include the same address as the accompanying utility bill.

An exception: A deed without an address is acceptable if accompanied by two utility bills (excluding telephone bills) with same address in the attendance zone.

A contingency contract is not acceptable. If the parent lives with a friend or family member and needs information about verifying residency, he or she can call the local school regarding a third-person affidavit of residency.

• A Georgia certificate of immunization. By state law, a valid certificate of immunization (Form #3231) or a notarized Affidavit of Religious Exemption (available from school) is required for enrollment. The certificate of immunization must be completed by the health department or a private physician. A valid Form #3231 must be marked with either “Date of Expiration” or as “Complete for School Attendance.” (A certificate marked with a “Date of Expiration” expires on the date indicated. A current certificate must be submitted within 30 days of expiration.) A medical exemption, if applicable, should be noted on Form #3231 with a current date of expiration.

• Evidence of vision, hearing, dental, and nutrition screening obtained in the past year. This information should be on a current Georgia Form #3300 (rev. 2013), available from the health department or a private physician and dentist and dated within the last 12 months. Letters from appropriate healthcare professionals and out-of-state certificates are acceptable, if completed within the last 12 months and stapled to the state form.

• Photo ID. The person enrolling a student should present proper identification. This identification may include a driver’s license, a state identification card, a passport, or other official photo identification, such as an ID card obtained through an official government agency or consulate.

• Proof of custody/guardianship. Proof of Guardianship is required for registration if the enrolling adult is not the birth parent. To learn more, contact Gwinnett County Probate Court at 770-822-8250.

• The child’s social security number. State law requires that schools ask for this number at the time of enrollment. Students will be enrolled, even if the number is not provided. However, parents not providing a number will be asked to sign a waiver.

• A copy of the Pre-K progress report if the child has attended a state Pre-K program. Parents also can bring the final Pre-K assessment to the teacher when the new school year begins. The information can serve as a benchmark of the child’s skills and abilities.

If parents are not sure which school their kindergartner will attend, they should call the GCPS Planning Department at (678) 301-7085. Parents and guardians who feel more comfortable speaking a language other than English, should be ready to call with the assistance of a bilingual relative or friend in case an interpreter is not immediately available. Translated materials will be posted to the 2016 Kindergarten webpage by April 4. Families can find additional resources- including tips for preparing for kindergarten, what to expect, ways to be involved, a 2016-17 calendar and curricular information- on the Kindergarten Registration page.