Act 570 of 1999 sets the following dates for kindergarten eligibility, effective with the 1999-2000 school year:
Children may enter kindergarten if they will attain the age of five on or before September 15, 1999.
An exception is made for those children who have been enrolled in an "instructional program" for children age four during 1998 or 1999. These individuals may enroll in kindergarten, for 1999-2000 only, if they will attain the age of five on or before October 1, 1999.
Since time is limited, and since the exception applies only for the upcoming school year, local districts are being given the discretion to decide what constitutes an "instructional program" in their community. In general, an instructional program is one that promotes the educational development in the home, center, and/or school-based setting(s).
Beginning with the 2000-2001 school year, all students who enroll in kindergarten must be five on or before September 15 of the year of enrollment.