Originally Posted by AmerLisa (Post 10870667)

Oh dear.... Who (I'm almost afraid to ask) asked you that?

Originally Posted by Anian (Post 10870740)

I'm not sure, someone at the school doing the admin. It may have been for the benefit of the people behind us in line, who were talking Spanish to each other (my neighbour is employed by the school to translate for parents who speak almost no English), and there are a surprising number of children who are five but talk like two-year-olds (a good half of my son's birthday party had really poor talking skills, but he might just have a lot of slow friends)

Originally Posted by AmerLisa (Post 10870126)

Moving in the middle of the school year shouldn't pose a problem as long as entry dates aren't different. For example here in Washington you have to be 5 by August 31st to enter kindergarten. In California, however, you can be 5 by December 1st.

Originally Posted by AmerLisa (Post 10870815)

Anyway, did you investigate the advanced learner (gifted child, quest, whatever they call it in your district) program?

Originally Posted by Anian (Post 10870869)

Yes, my daughter isn't eligible to apply until midway through 2nd grade (which she is going into this year), and then it starts in 3rd grade. If she gets in then she'll be covered until 5th grade at this school - not sure what happens when she moves up to middle school, apparently the school system is a bit weird here when it comes to the transitions.

Originally Posted by NatashaB (Post 10870696)

Wow, I didn't know that. My son's daycare will probably start them off on those things before he goes to K. But do they expect that children who don't go to daycare will be taught those things at home, generally?

Originally Posted by Anian (Post 10870869)

Yes, my daughter isn't eligible to apply until midway through 2nd grade (which she is going into this year), and then it starts in 3rd grade. If she gets in then she'll be covered until 5th grade at this school - not sure what happens when she moves up to middle school, apparently the school system is a bit weird here when it comes to the transitions.

Originally Posted by Ozzidoc (Post 10870849)

The situation in California changed several years ago, and the kid now must be 5 by an earlier in the year - I think either the end of August or the end of September.

I've not paid attention too closely as our kid has a February birthday.

Details here: http://www.sandi.net/Page/53351

Originally Posted by Ozzidoc (Post 10870878)

What was the assessment process for your daughter please?

Originally Posted by NatashaB (Post 10870696)

Wow, I didn't know that. My son's daycare will probably start them off on those things before he goes to K. But do they expect that children who don't go to daycare will be taught those things at home, generally?

Originally Posted by Anian (Post 10870869)

Yes, my daughter isn't eligible to apply until midway through 2nd grade (which she is going into this year), and then it starts in 3rd grade. If she gets in then she'll be covered until 5th grade at this school - not sure what happens when she moves up to middle school, apparently the school system is a bit weird here when it comes to the transitions.

Originally Posted by Bob (Post 10878350)

Here, kids are expected to write their name, know and write the alphabet, read their name, count to 20, know colours, shapes, jump on one leg. Would get tracked if they couldn't do most of it.

Anyway, kid had orientation and meet the teacher. Schedule hadn't been made yet which is annoying as dirty clothes are expected for at class and change of clothes and trainers for the one week PE. Also peanut policy is set by the class as snack is eaten in class as it's so far from the canteen and they only get 10 mins.

Also found the the school bus picks up 3 minutes after school starts and it's a different spot to do off. Walking or driving the kid to school is equally complicated with designated walking exits, drop off and pick up spots and

procedures for if you're late, you're going to be really late.

Originally Posted by Bob (Post 10878350)

Here, kids are expected to write their name, know and write the alphabet, read their name, count to 20, know colours, shapes, jump on one leg. Would get tracked if they couldn't do most of it.

Anyway, kid had orientation and meet the teacher. Schedule hadn't been made yet which is annoying as dirty clothes are expected for at class and change of clothes and trainers for the one week PE. Also peanut policy is set by the class as snack is eaten in class as it's so far from the canteen and they only get 10 mins.

Also found the the school bus picks up 3 minutes after school starts and it's a different spot to do off. Walking or driving the kid to school is equally complicated with designated walking exits, drop off and pick up spots and procedures for if you're late, you're going to be really late.

Originally Posted by Bob (Post 10878361)

The school also had a full time shrink as well as a "transitional councillor" to help kids transition from pre to K to grade.

I'm thinking that's a position that could be dropped so we don't have to buy so many school supplies...