Bill would change kindergarten minimum age starting date

WORLAND — A bill that would amend the minimum school age has passed out of committee and will now await debate by entire State House.

House Bill 174 changes the minimum age for children to register for “kindergarten in the public schools of this state in the year in which his fifth birthday falls on or before Aug. 1.” Current statute has the date for the fifth birthday as Sept. 15. The date changes also apply to those registering for first grade on which the sixth birthday falls on or before Aug. 1.

Rep. Jamie Flitner (R-Greybull) said the bill passed out of committee Monday night unanimously.

“The only concern expressed was that of Representative Cathy Connolly who worried that graduates then would be 18 and older and how that could impact dropout rates,” Flitner said.

She added, however, that “the data though supporting entering kindergarten at age 5 vs. 4 far outweighs any backend concerns. The other reason for the date change is that it allows those kiddos who are enrolled in the Head Start [or other preschool] program, to stay in that program longer.”

“It’s a good bill. I gave my son an extra year before he entered kindergarten, my stepdaughter, as well, had an extra year. It made a world of difference for them in every way — intellectually, emotionally, socially and physically. 

“Some districts/educators would prefer a July 1 date but they’re happy if they can get the Aug. 1 date change,” Flitner added.