Kindergarten-Primary Programs
Kindergarten is a very important year in the lives of Nebraska’s youngest students and their families. It begins to create the foundation of knowledge on which they will continue to build formal schooling.
A number of documents have been created to inform and support parents, administrators, teachers, and other early childhood professionals on what kindergarten best practices look like. The documents are based on current research and were created by kindergarten teachers and other early childhood professionals in Nebraska.
For more information about kindergarten and primary grades in Nebraska, please contact Melody Hobson at 402-860-4055 or melody.hobson@nebraska.gov.
Kindergarten Eligibility Statement
Nebraska Revised Statute 79-214 provides regulations regarding eligibility to attend kindergarten in Nebraska schools.
- Children who turn 6 prior to January 1 of the current school year are of compulsory attendance age and must be enrolled in kindergarten or a higher grade.
- Children who turn 5 on or before July 31 of the current year are eligible to attend kindergarten. These children are also eligible to attend the district’s prekindergarten program; however, each district should determine its own policies to best meet the needs of the child and/or family.
- Children who turn 5 between August 1 and October 15 of the current year may attend kindergarten, pending the district’s early entrance policy and assessment that is on file with the district.