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Information on Early Access to Kindergarten and First Grade
Information on Early Access to Kindergarten and First Grade
Early Access for Highly Advanced Gifted Children under Age Six
Early Access for Highly Advanced Gifted Children under Age Six
Early Access was made possible by the passage of House Bill 08-1021. HB 08-1021 provides the ability for school staff to override the age limits mandated by state law, in order to allow students who will be four years old at the beginning of the school year to begin kindergarten and students who will be five years old to begin first grade, if they are identified as "highly advanced gifted."
House Bill 08-1021 defines the 4 or 5 year old child who may benefit from early access as a “highly advanced gifted child”.
This child is academically gifted, socially and emotionally mature, in the top 2% or less of the gifted peer group, motivated to learn, ready for advanced placement, and has exhausted the resources of preschool or homeschooling.
The intent of HB 1021 is to meet the unique needs of the “highly advanced gifted child”. It does not permit early access to all gifted 4 or 5 year olds. Quality preschool programs will meet the needs of most gifted children.
HB 1021 pertains to those children who will be 4 years old by October 1st, hoping to access Kindergarten early or those children who will be 5 years old by October 1st, hoping to access first grade early.
Early Access Process in DCSD
Please note: The Early Access process is open from December 1 to April 1 each school year. The last date to submit a portfolio for consideration is April 1st each year.
Early Access is designed for “highly advanced gifted” 4 or 5 year old children. It allows early access to kindergarten or first-grade for students who are academically gifted, socially and emotionally mature, in the top 2% or less of the gifted peer group, motivated to learn, ready for advanced placement, and who have exhausted the resources of preschool or home schooling.
Not all students will be referred for cognitive testing; rather, student portfolios will be reviewed by a district-based team to determine if further assessment is warranted.
Letters outlining the team’s determination and next steps will be mailed to parents in early May of each school year.
Parents should contact the Gifted Education office between December and March to begin the process for the following school year.
Application info can be found on the DCSD Early Access Page.
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