A recently enacted state law is set to impact approximately 12,000 children entering kindergarten, bringing about changes that necessitate children to be 5 years old upon starting kindergarten.
The new regulation, effective this fall, mandates that children must reach the age of 5 by September 1 to be eligible for kindergarten enrollment. Failure to meet this age requirement would mean waiting until the following year for admission.
The financial implications of this law are significant for many parents, potentially resulting in an additional year of childcare expenses or necessitating parents to stay at home to care for their children. For families like Amber Frazier’s, who was picking up her children from a Head Start program in Hartford, this change poses a notable financial burden, especially for those unable to afford an extra year of childcare.
Frazier emphasized the challenges, stating, “It is a financial burden for most parents these days. Especially like me because if you can’t go to kindergarten, what is the parent supposed to do? They can’t stop working just to take care of their kids.”
Head Start programs, federally funded to assist low-income families, offer early childhood education from birth to age 5. The revised law has prompted concerns from parents like Sarah Gabrenas, whose daughter narrowly misses the cutoff, and Sam Pleva, a parent of twins, who expressed surprise and potential financial strain.
Beth Bye, Commissioner of the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood, acknowledged the financial challenges this law presents for families, emphasizing the importance of preschool attendance for kindergarten readiness. She also highlighted available resources for parents struggling with childcare costs, including a childcare subsidy system that can be accessed by calling 211.
Governor Ned Lamont has taken steps to alleviate the financial burden for parents by increasing the income range for those eligible for assistance. Additionally, workforce training programs offer support for parents in college or involved in workforce development programs. Despite the concerns raised, the state aims to ensure that children are well-prepared for kindergarten through early education.