Delaying Kindergarten - FAQs

In South Carolina, children are eligible for kindergarten if they turn 5 years old on or before September 1 of the school year.

Yes. Kindergarten attendance is compulsory for children who are 5 years old on or before September 1.

Yes. Parents may choose to delay enrollment by completing the state waiver form (Elect Non-Attendance in Compulsory Kindergarten). By doing this, you are electing out of kindergarten and understand that your child will be placed in 1^st grade the following school year.

If you choose to delay kindergarten using the waiver:

• Your child will not attend kindergarten that year, and

The default placement the following year (when your child is 6) is 1st grade.

Possibly. Families may request that their child attend kindergarten at age 6 instead of being placed in 1st grade.

• This requires a formal request
• Requests are reviewed case-by-case by a district team

Approval is based on extenuating circumstances and supporting documentation

The district team may consider:

• Developmental readiness (social, emotional, academic)
• Input from preschool teachers
• Any relevant evaluations or documentation (e.g., speech, OT, developmental assessments)
• Overall readiness for a kindergarten environment

If you have concerns about your child’s development (speech, motor skills, behavior, learning, etc.), you are encouraged to share those concerns early.

Often, concerns are first identified by:

• Parents or caregivers
• Preschool teachers
• Pediatricians

Early identification is important, as earlier support is linked to better outcomes for children.

The process typically includes:

1. Screening – A brief check of key developmental areas (communication, social-emotional, cognitive, physical, etc.)
2. Comprehensive Evaluation – If needed, a more in-depth assessment by a multidisciplinary team

This team may include educators, psychologists, and therapists who work together to determine if a child qualifies for services.

Local school districts provide preschool special education services for eligible children ages 3–5.

If a child qualifies:

• An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is developed
• Services may include speech, occupational therapy, or specialized instruction
• Support may be provided in a preschool or school-based setting

Not necessarily. Many children with developmental needs:

• Can attend kindergarten successfully with supports
• Receive services through an IEP within the school setting

Delaying kindergarten is a family decision, but it is important to know that supports and interventions are available within kindergarten to meet students where they are.

Yes. If a family is considering delaying kindergarten or requesting placement at age 6, evaluation data and documentation (teacher input, developmental assessments, therapy reports, etc.) can be helpful in the review process.

If your child began kindergarten in another state with different age requirements and then moves to South Carolina, their kindergarten placement will be honored.

We encourage families to consider the whole child, including:

• Academic readiness
• Social-emotional development
• Independence and confidence

Our team is happy to help guide families through this decision.

Please contact Krista Bergman (bergmank@fortmillschools.org) for:

• Waiver forms
• Kindergarten delayed placement requests

 Please contact Special Services (childfind@fortmillschools.org) for:

• Questions about special evaluations or services
• Evaluations and screening your child for possible developmental delays