KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION 2012-2013!
Kindergarten Registration for 2012-2013 is at the Parent Information Center (PIC) from January 30 to March 23, 2012. Children in Waltham who will be 5 years-old on or before September 1, 2012 are eligible for Kindergarten in the fall of 2012. We expect students to be toilet trained before entering Kindergarten. Kindergarten is a full-day program for Waltham Public Schools!
How to Register for Kindergarten? English 
en Español
Kindergarten Registration Flyer English en Español
Kindergarten Informational Night English en Español
DIAL SCREENING
Kindergarten Screening Information for Parents
- All students entering kindergarten must be screened.
- Screening will occur at your child's elementary school.
- Your child's screening appointment will be scheduled when you register at the Parent Information Center (PIC).
Why screen the children? The Waltham Public Schools are required by law, Chapter 766, to provide a comprehensive screening for all children entering kindergarten. The purpose of the screening is to identify the educational needs of each child. The screening enables us to get to know what your child can already do, and what areas have yet to be developed. Where and when? The kindergarten screening process takes place during the Spring months prior to the child entering school. Screening takes place at the school the child will be attending or at the Parent Information Center (PIC). Who does the screening? Each child is screened by professional personnel, including the kindergarten teacher. What does my child have to do? Your child will be asked to do tasks which are related to success in school. Areas covered include:
- Language (how your child understands and uses words and sentences)
- Articulation (how well your child produces the sounds of speech)
- Fine and gross motor skills (how well the muscles coordinate for both outdoor and paper and pencil activities)
How are screening results used? The screening team in each building shares the information with the principal, kindergarten teacher, and any other school personnel who may be involved with the child. The information helps the teacher to plan for the class as a whole. Screening also helps us to determine whether any additional help might be required to make the kindergarten year a successful and rewarding experience for each child. What information do parents receive? Parents are notified of results of the screening by mail. Any parent has the right to request a meeting with the teacher or screening team to discuss screening results. In closing, the screening is an enjoyable opportunity for most children to get individual attention from an adult in a school setting. It is not a test of your child's intelligence, but is an indicator of his/her specific learning needs at this time. It takes into account the different ways in which children learn and grow. The Waltham Public Schools look forward to participating with you in your child's educational development.
McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Program
This federal grant program is to facilitate the enrollment, attendance, supplement enrichment activities, support professional development and support the well being of homeless children and youth in school. For eligibility details and contact information please go to: http://www.walthampublicschools.org/mckv.cfm
Additional information regarding the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Program may be found on the MASSACHUSETTS DEPARTMENT OF ELEMENTARY & SECONDARY EDUCATION web site. This data is available at: http://www.doe.mass.edu/mv/