DOD announces change to 2009-2010 kindergarten program Published Dec. 23, 2008 WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- The entrance birth date for the Department of Defense Education Activity Kindergarten Program will change from Oct. 31 to Sept. 1, DODEA officials announced recently. The change means a child must be 5 years old by Sept. 1 to enroll in kindergarten. This aligns DODEA with national trends as well as the age requirement in many military-impacted states. "DODEA wants to inform families about this change well in advance so everyone can plan ahead to make the beginning of their child's educational journey a rewarding experience," said Ms. Shirley A. Miles, PhD., DODEA director. This change will also affect students in DODEA's pre-kindergarten, Sure Start and first grade programs, DODEA officials said. A child must be 4 years old by Sept. 1 to attend pre-kindergarten or Sure Start and 6 years old by Sept. 1 to attend first grade. This decision comes after consideration and coordination between parents, educators and administrators, as well as extensive coordination with the military services. Officials reviewed and researched current trends and then recommended to change the minimum entrance age requirement. During the 2009-2010 school year, exceptions to this change will accommodate all students who have attended a DODEA kindergarten in the 2008-2009 school year. There will also be exceptions for families who PCS after the start of the school year and whose children are already enrolled in an accredited kindergarten or first grade. Domestic Dependents Elementary and Secondary Schools Pre-Kindergarten programs, DODEA Preschool Services for Children with Disabilities and other pre-kindergarten programs will not be grandfathered in. However, family members will be allowed to attend the DODEA programs for an additional year if they don't meet the new entrance age. Families should coordinate with their school principal for further details. DODEA plans, directs, coordinates and manages the education programs for DOD family members who would otherwise not have access to a high-quality public education. DODEA consists of the DOD Dependents Schools located overseas, and the Department of Defense Domestic Dependent Elementary and Secondary Schools located in the United States and its territories and possessions. DODEA provides education to eligible DOD military and civilian family members from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. For more information, Airmen should contact their local airman and family readiness center, base school liaison or use the DODEA Web site below at www.dodea.edu/back_to_school/kindergarten.cfm. Comment on this story (comments may be published on Air Force Link) View the comments/letters page