BLAST OFF TO KINDERGARTEN:
LAUNCHING LITTLE LEARNERS
COVINGTON INDEPENDENT PUBLIC SCHOOLS
BLAST OFF TO KINDERGARTEN:
LAUNCHING LITTLE LEARNERS
COVINGTON INDEPENDENT PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Starting kindergarten is an exciting and important milestone, and Covington Independent Public Schools is thrilled to partner with you as your child begins their educational journey. Our Blast Off to Kindergarten initiative is designed to support families every step of the way as we prepare our youngest learners for success.
This website provides all the information caregivers need to register for kindergarten in our district’s five elementary schools, including registration steps, important dates, school details, and helpful resources. Whether you’re just beginning to explore your options or ready to enroll, you’ll find guidance and support right here.
We can’t wait to welcome your little learner to full-day kindergarten—get ready to launch into a year of discovery, growth, and learning!
PREPARE FOR TAKEOFF.
State law requires children between the ages of 6 and 16 to attend school. Any child who becomes 5 years of age on or before August 1 is eligible for kindergarten in Covington Independent Public Schools.
Enrollment requirements include:
Birth certificate or proof of guardianship
Custody agreement (if applicable)
Copy of the child's Social Security card
Two forms of proof of residency (utility bill to the legal guardian, rental/lease/purchase contracts, etc.)
Transcript, report card, and/or other academic records from prior school/s (if applicable)
Kentucky Immunization Certificate
Must be current & valid with all immunizations up to date upon enrollment
Physical Exam
Must be within 30 days of enrollment date
Required for first entry to a KY public school
May be completed up to one year prior to initial entry.
Vision Exam
Must be performed by an optometrist or ophthalmologist by January 1st of first year of enrollment for a child ages 3-6 years old
Dental Exam
Must be completed by January 1st of enrollment year in kindergarten for a 5 or 6 year old child
May be completed by a dentist, dental hygienist, physician, registered nurse, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant
Kindergarten registration can be completed online through the OLR SYSTEM.
Caregivers may also visit or call the District Enrollment Center for assistance:
📍212 Levassor Place, Covington, KY (near Holmes High School)
☎️859.292.5864 ext. 1
⏰Monday-Friday, 8am-4pm
(before- or after-hours appointments available by request)
After the application is submitted in OLR, the caregiver will be contacted by an enrollment clerk to complete the registration process.
Families are encouraged to visit their child's elementary school for a tour and to learn more. Click on the school icon above for event dates and contact information.
Social & Emotional Readiness
Practice separating from caregivers for short periods
Encourage your child to express feelings with words
Help them practice taking turns and sharing
Teach them to ask for help when they need it
Talk positively about school and teachers
Early Learning Foundations
Read together every day (even 10–15 minutes helps!)
Talk about stories—ask questions like “What do you think will happen next?”
Practice recognizing their name in print
Count everyday objects (snacks, steps, toys)
Sing songs and play rhyming games
Fine Motor & Independence Skills
Practice holding crayons, markers, or pencils
Encourage coloring, drawing, cutting with scissors
Work on zippers, buttons, and snaps
Practice opening lunch containers and backpacks
Teach handwashing and using tissues independently
Routines & School Readiness Habits
Establish a consistent bedtime and morning routine
Practice following simple, multi-step directions
Help your child clean up toys and materials
Talk about listening when others are speaking
Practice sitting and focusing for short activities
School Comfort & Confidence
Visit the school or attend kindergarten events if possible
Talk about what a school day might look like
Encourage curiosity and excitement about learning
Every child grows and learns at their own pace. Kindergarten teachers are experienced in supporting children with a wide range of skills and abilities. Your love, encouragement, and involvement make the biggest difference.
Overview
Beginning with the 2017-2018 school year, children must turn age five on or before August 1 in order to enroll in kindergarten (KRS 158.031). In accordance with the law and Board of Education policy, the following procedures are in place for consideration for early entrance for those children who have mastered kindergarten readiness standards. It is important to note that young children develop at different rates and very few children are ready to begin school early.
Request for Early Entrance
Parents/guardians may request the Board to allow their child to enter school earlier than permitted under statutory age requirements. This request must include:
Completed Early Entrance Request Form or a written request to consider early entrance into kindergarten.
Signed Consent to Screen Form.
A copy of the child’s birth certificate.
Proof of residence within Covington Independent Public School attendance boundaries.
Criteria for Early Entrance
After the paperwork above is submitted, school district staff will conduct an evaluation to help determine the child’s readiness to engage in and benefit from early entry to school. Criteria for early entrance include:
A score at or above the 95th percentile on Brigance Early Childhood Screen III (K-1) assessment.
Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy (DIBELS) performing at or above local grade level norms.
Parent/guardian interview and/or academic, social/behavioral skills rating scales.
Considerations may also include availability of space and funding.
Notification
Results will be reviewed by a team including the receiving school principal, the elementary director, and the superintendent’s designee. Parents/guardians will be notified of the results within 10 working days of the assessment date.