Need to Know: How to Register Your Kindergartner in Gwinnett

Registration for 2015 kindergartners — children who turn 5 by Sept. 1 — is set for May 7 at local elementary schools in Gwinnett County.

Parents can begin the process online on school websites on April 20, but registration must be completed in person on May 7.

If you are unsure which school your child will attend, call the school system’s planning department at 678-301-7085.

The first day of school for the 2015-16 year is Monday, Aug. 10.

Learn more on the Gwinnett County Public Schools website, in the “2015 Countdown for Kindergarten” section.

More from GCPS:

Parents and guardians should bring the following on May 7 in order to complete their child’s registration for kindergarten:

• Your child.

Schools may offer activities or 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 need 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 770-822-8350.

• 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 a parent is 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.