Bill > AB1631

This bill, beginning with the 2028-29 school year, will require children to complete one full year of kindergarten before being admitted to the first grade in a public elementary school, including charter schools, unless a child has been lawfully admitted to kindergarten but not yet completed a full year and is deemed ready for first grade by school administration with parental consent. The bill also clarifies that a child must be at least five years old to be admitted to kindergarten and reiterates that parents retain the choice to enroll their child in public or private kindergarten, including homeschooling, before first grade. The legislation aims to ensure all students have access to early educational opportunities to reduce achievement gaps and decrease the need for special education or interventions for students entering first grade without adequate preparation. Existing laws regarding first-grade admission based on age and readiness for children who have already attended kindergarten are amended and will become inoperative on July 1, 2028, with new versions taking effect on that date. If the Commission on State Mandates determines this bill imposes costs on local agencies and school districts, reimbursement will be provided according to established procedures.

Education

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB1631