Kindergarten attendance has been mandatory in Maryland since 1992. That means that children need to have an appropriate kindergarten experience before they start first grade. Per COMAR 13A.08.01.01B., a child who resides in Maryland must attend a public or nonpublic kindergarten program regularly during the school year before entering the first grade unless the child is enrolled in an alternative program setting. Beginning with the 2007-2008 school year, all public schools are required to provide full-day programs for all kindergarten students.

Per COMAR 13A.08.01.02-2 B. Alternative Program Settings, children who are enrolled full-time in a licensed child care center, or full-time with a registered family child care provider, or part-time in a Head Start 5 year-old program are considered as having a valid kindergarten experience. A parent or guardian who elects to enroll a child in an alternate program setting must contact the local school system to file this intent before the opening of school of the year in which the child becomes five years-old. The parent must provide the name of the program, address of the facility location, and the license or registration number including the expiration date. The school system will also identify certain documentation that must be provided when the child is registered for first grade following completion of the kindergarten year.

Maryland Kindergarten Committee - Recommendations

• Background
• Changing the Entrance Date For Kindergarten And Prekindergarten Eligibility
• Expansion of High Quality Services for At Risk Four-Year Old Children
• Providing Universal Access to All-Day Kindergarten Programs
• Maryland Kindergarten Committee - Membership