How To Register Your Kid for Kindergarten

Many parents of new kindergarteners do not know about the registration process, according to Betsy Vassallo, coordinator of the Local Education and Resource Network (LEARN) Program of Philadelphia.

“Basically, the school district does not want parents to miss this registration window, which runs from January to May, and just show up in September with their child,” Vassallo said. “If the school does not have room, they have to go wherever there is room and figure out transportation.”

Besides the registration process, there is a lot of information about the transition process that parents of new students can benefit from. That is why LEARN is working with the School District of Philadelphia to hold several informational panels throughout the city for parents of children about to begin kindergarten.

The panel for Northwest Philadelphia will take place Feb. 22, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Northwest Regional Library, 68 W. Chelten Ave. The panel is modeled after a similar one held last fall in West Philadelphia, which was extremely well-attended, Vassallo said.

Panelists include kindergarten teachers from the Northwest, representatives from the school district, a Head Start or Pre-K teachers, child development experts and local parents who have been through the process. The panel will be moderated by Vassallo, a Roxborough resident. There will also be member of the panel who can give information on how to best serve students with special needs entering kindergarten.

“All transitions are difficult for young children, going into a big school for the first time, the size of the building and all the other children, the whole thing is new. That can be very daunting. They might not be aware of all the routines that happen, getting in line, they won’t know about the whole process,” Vassallo said. “It is difficult for parents, too, if they are unfamiliar.”

Parents can bring questions, and Vassallo recommends writing questions down ahead of time. She also recommends that parent RSVP for the panel. As coordinator for the event, she said, it is helpful to have a headcount on attendees, although the panel is open to all.

Attendees can RSVP by emailing Vassallo at LEARN@ccisnephila.com or calling her at 215-333-1560 ext. 137.