As schools prepare for kindergarten registration, the Arkansas Department of Education (ADE) is pleased to announce other resources available in support of kindergarten entry. ADE has recently distributed the Statewide Kindergarten Indicators Checklist (KRIC) in English and Spanish to all kindergarten principals, as well as educational cooperatives and state agencies. This brochure will provide valuable information to parents in preparing the child for kindergarten.
The Arkansas Division of Childcare and Early Childhood Education is currently disseminating the Getting Ready For Kindergarten calendar of family activities. This calendar provides monthly KRIC activities. The calendars are available at the Division of Childcare at 501-682-4891.
The Arkansas Foundation for Medical Care (AFMC) has developed informational flyers and posters: “Is Your Child Ready for Kindergarten?” The flyers and posters are being sent to educational cooperatives, schools, daycare centers, and the county offices of the Department of Health and Department of Human Services. The flyers will assist parents in preparing for kindergarten registration. It will provide a list of basic registration requirements for entering kindergarten. These posters can be placed on the entrances to school buildings and other community sites willing to participate. Copies in Spanish will also be available. For additional copies, contact AFMC at 877-375-5700 or email at www.afmc.org/wellchild.
Schools are encouraged to remind parents of the child’s mandatory immunizations and the required Early, Periodic Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment, examination (EPSDT) and health history. Many schools complete speech, hearing, and vision screenings prior to the school year.
For questions, call Dee Cox at 501-682-4379 or e-mail at dcox@arkedu.k12.ar.us.