Enrolling Your Child in Kindergarten

Congratulations! You're now planning for your child to start attending kindergarten! Be sure your child meets the following requirements for entering kindergarten before you make an appointment to register him or her in school for the first time.


Age Requirements

The policy of the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) is that children must be five years old by September 1 of the year they are enrolled in kindergarten for all DoD schools. Proof of your child's age must be provided through documentation such as a birth certificate or passport. Students enrolling in DoD domestic schools may also be asked to show on base residence.


Medical Requirements

Before enrolling in kindergarten at a Department of Defense school, your child must have the following immunizations. For more information on immunizations, contact the nurse at the school your child will be attending.


Proof of Eligibility

When you go to register your child for kindergarten, bring the sponsor's orders to prove eligibility for enrollment at a DoD school. The sponsor does not need to be present at registration, as long as the parent or other adult registering the child has all the necessary paperwork.


Remember
After you call your child's school to set up an appointment for enrollment in kindergarten, make sure you have all of the following documents to complete the registration process:
  • Proof of age
  • Medical records, including all dates and types of immunizations
  • Sponsor's orders for current tour of duty

Contact the registrar at your child's school for more information on enrollment.