Kindergarten and First Grade Early Entrance


Early Entrance: Salt Creek D48 complies with Illinois law, which specifies that to enter kindergarten or first grade, children must be five years of age by September 1st of their kindergarten year or six years of age by September 1st of their first-grade year [105 ILCS 5/10-20.12]. Early entrance is considered a form of whole-grade acceleration and is appropriate only for students who demonstrate compelling evidence that they are intellectually advanced and socially developmentally appropriate. After careful examination of the relevant evidence provided by the parents or gathered through the district's evaluation process, the Salt Creek D48 team will make the decision. 

After reviewing the information, if you have questions about the Early Entrance process, please get in touch with the Department of Curriculum and Instruction at 630-279-8400 x1012.

Considerations: Salt Creek D48 understands that students whose birthdate misses the cutoff for school attendance may have educational needs or demonstrated capabilities that warrant early admission to kindergarten or first grade. Decisions about a child entering school early can profoundly affect their academic and social performance for the remainder of the child’s school career. Academic readiness, academic potential, and social-emotional maturity are all equally important considerations.

Early Entrance Kindergarten Criteria

  • Turn five years old by November 1st of the proposed kindergarten year.

  • Have completed at least one year of preschool

  • Be exceptionally advanced intellectually and typically developing socially.

Early Entrance First Grade Criteria

  • Turn six years old by November 1st of the proposed first grade year.

  • Completed at least one year of preschool and/or kindergarten 

  • Be exceptionally advanced intellectually and typically developing socially.

Process: Parents/guardians wishing to apply for early entrance to kindergarten or first grade should submit the following information to the Director of Curriculum and Instruction by March 1.

  • Completed the Early Entrance referral form.

  • Signed and completed Consent to Release Information authorizing Salt Creek D48 to exchange information with the child’s preschool.

  • Completed Parent Questionnaire.

  • Progress Reports or other records, evidence, or assessments from the child’s preschool program that demonstrate academic advancement.

  • Based on a review of records, the parent/guardian will be contacted by the District 48 school psychologist to schedule a district kindergarten screening.

  • Based on these findings, a decision will be made on whether further testing is appropriate. If so, another time will be scheduled for the school psychologist to administer a cognitive ability test (e.g., the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scales of Intelligence).

  • If applicable, parents and a teacher will complete the Behavior Assessment System for Children (BASC-3) to evaluate the child's behavioral and emotional development.

  • After testing has been completed, the district's school psychologist will contact the parent with a decision on the child’s eligibility for early entrance into kindergarten or first grade. The decision will be determined in collaboration with the school principal and the Director of Curriculum and Instruction.

If you have any questions about the Early Entrance process, please get in touch with the Director of Curriculum and Instruction at 630-279-8400 x1012.