Last year, the Delaware Readiness Teams surveyed more than 500 Delaware parents about the kindergarten registration process. We heard some startling responses.

• 28 different kindergarten registration processes in Delaware

• 3 out of 4 Delaware caregivers say the kindergarten registration process is “hard” or “extremely hard”

• 98% of Spanish speaking parents label the process “hard” or “extremely hard”

• 7 forms, on average, required for kindergarten registration (often with repetitive questions

You advocated. We listened. And today, we have something to celebrate. Thanks in part to the Delaware Readiness Teams’ efforts, state lawmakers are listening too. This week, bill sponsors Sens. Lockman and Townsend, as well as Reps. Minor-Brown, Bolden, Chukwuocha, Cooke, and Dorsey Walker introduced Senate Bill 150, which would establish a common statewide process for kindergarten registration.

SB 150 stipulates the Delaware Department of Education shall establish a common kindergarten registration process across all LEAs by the 2021-22 school year ahead of the 2022-23 school year. It would set the official recommended kindergarten registration date at least six weeks in advance of the school choice deadline, and would require all kindergarten registration forms to be available online and via paper in English and Spanish. Click here to read more about the bill.

SB 150 still needs our support. Click here to find your legislator and send them a personal note saying that you support a common statewide kindergarten registration process!