2008 Countdown to Kindergarten
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2008 Countdown to Kindergarten
Kindergarten in Gwinnett County Public Schools (GCPS) is a full-day program. By state law, children must be 5 by September 1 in order to enroll in kindergarten. All GCPS elementary schools hold a kindergarten registration each spring.


WHO: Parents and guardians of children who will be five years old on or before September 1, 2008.
WHAT: Register for the 2008–09 school year.
WHEN: Throughout the spring and summer leading up to the start of the 2008-09 school year. Call your local school for an appointment. Click here for phone numbers.
WHERE: Register at your local school. Call the Planning Department at 678-301-7085 if you’re not sure which school your child will attend.
WHY: So your child will be ready for the first day of school, August 11, 2008.
HOW: Parents or guardians should be prepared to fill out important registration forms. Your child's registration will be delayed without the needed paperwork.

What to Bring for Registration:
  • Your child! Schools may offer activities or screenings on registration day. Check with your school for details.
  • A copy of the pre-K progress report if your child has attended a state pre-K program. This can be helpful information for your child's new kindergarten teacher.
  • An official document showing proof of birth date.
    Examples include an original birth certificate or birth registration, or an official state or federal form with date of birth, or passport.
  • A Georgia certificate of immunization. State form #3231 (revised March 2007) must be completed by the health department or your private physician. Healthcare providers may charge a fee for this service and/or required immunizations. Contact your provider or the health department for more information. Required shots include the series for Hepatitis B, DPT, and Polio; an MMR shot, plus additional mumps and measles shots or a second MMR, or healthcare provider documentation of illness; and 2 doses of the varicella (Chicken Pox) vaccine or documentation of illness. A valid Form 3231 must be marked in the box with either “Complete for School Attendance” or “Date of Expiration.” By state law, a valid immunization form or immunization exemption (for medical or religious reasons) is required for enrollment. You may request an exemption form (for medical or religious reasons) from your local school. Click here to learn more information about immunizations from the Gwinnett County Health Department .
  • Evidence of vision, hearing, and dental exams obtained in the past year.
    This information must be on Georgia Form #3300, available from the health department or from most Georgia physicians and dentists. Letters from appropriate healthcare professionals and out-of-state certificates are acceptable, if completed within the previous 12 months and stapled to the state form. These exams are available at Georgia health departments for a fee.     Click here for Health Department locations, maps, and hours of operation.
  • Proof of residency in the attendance zone.
    Examples include a non-contingent sales contract, lease, or deed. A lease or deed must be accompanied by at least one utility bill (excluding telephone bills) with the same address. A contingency contract is     not acceptable. Call your local school if you live with a friend or family member and need information about verifying your residency.
  • Proof of custody/guardianship, if not the birth parent.
    A Letter of Guardianship is required for registration if the enrolling adult is not the birth parent. For more information, contact Gwinnett County Probate Court at 770-822-8265 or     click here to visit the Probate Court's web page.
  • The child’s social security number.
    State law requires that schools ask for this number at the time of enrollment. Students will be enrolled, even if the number is not provided. However, parents will be asked to sign a waiver.
  • A photo ID. The school may ask the enrolling adult to present a photo ID.
The state offers a free prekindergarten (pre-K) program for 4-year-olds. Children must be 4 years old by September 1 in order to enroll. In Gwinnett County, this program is delivered through private childcare providers who are approved by the state. For more information and to find a provider, visit Bright From the Start: Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning or call 404-656-5957 or 1-888-442-7735.