2024-25 KINDERGARTEN PRE-ENROLLMENT IS NOW OPEN
Posted on 02/12/2024
Kindergarten pre-enrollments are now being accepted for the 24-25 academic year in Joplin Schools. Children who will be 5 years old before August 1, 2024 and who live within district boundaries are eligible to attend Joplin Schools kindergarten programs.
Enrollments for all incoming students, including kindergartners, will begin online. Parents and guardians should visit joplinschools.org/parents_and_students/enrollment to get started.
Incoming kindergarten-age students will start with a pre-enrollment form. Once pre-enrollment is complete, parents should watch their email inbox for a message from their child’s school; that email will include a link inviting them to create a Parent Portal account in which they should complete all forms in the digital enrollment packet.
“We want to make sure our new incoming kindergarten families don’t stop at the pre- enrollment form, but continue on with the link they’re emailed for full enrollment,” said Joplin Schools Assistant Superintendent of Learning Services, Dr. Sarah Mwangi. “Pre- enrollment is that important first step so we can meet our newest little Eagles!”
Once all online forms have been completed, parents of incoming kindergarten-age students should bring the following state-required documents to their child’s school:
-Parent/Guardian’s Photo ID
-Child’s state-issued birth certificate
-Child’s up-to-date immunization records
-Proof of residency (current utility bill, lease agreement or other)
-Proof of guardianship if student lives with someone other than a parent
-Other legal documentation of custody agreements if necessary
School staff will work with parents to check that the enrollment process is complete, and to schedule a kindergarten screening. Kindergarten screenings will be scheduled March 25 through April 5 at each elementary school.
Kindergarten screeners will not only be assessing typical kindergarten readiness measures, but will also be gathering data on eligibility for inclusion in the district’s SOAR Transitional Kindergarten program. SOAR is a year-long class that invites eligible kindergarten-age students who can benefit from the gift of time and experience before beginning kindergarten. The vast majority of kindergarten enrollees will be placed into traditional kindergarten classrooms district-wide.
Incoming kindergartners who are currently enrolled in preschool at Joplin Early Childhood do not need to pre-enroll. Families of JEC students will receive more details about kindergarten enrollment from their teacher soon, and will follow a similar screening process in their new elementary buildings. JEC families with questions about kindergarten enrollment should contact JEC at 417-625-5275.
For more information about how to pre-enroll for kindergarten, please contact your child’s elementary school or call 417-625-5200. Full enrollment steps are also available here.
