The Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education requires each child to attend school beginning in September of the calendar year in which he/she attains the age of six (6), but allows each school committee to establish its own minimum permissible age for school attendance, provided that such age is not older than the state mandatory minimum age. The Barnstable policy is to admit a child into kindergarten if he/she is five (5) years of age on or before September 1 of the school year in which he/she enrolls.

Students are assigned to elementary schools based on street address. A child may attend a different elementary school if the parent/guardian applies for and is accepted for school choice. Requests for intra-district school choice should be sent to the Superintendent. Availability of intra-district school choice is dependent upon kindergarten enrollment at each of the schools and the availability of slots. Additionally, ECELC students may choose to apply for the Barnstable Community Innovation School (BCIS) by completing a transfer application.

Retention at preschool for students presenting with developmental delays is not supported. Because the ECELC preschool program only offers half-day classes, children receive more time on learning, additional social experiences (music, gym, art, cafeteria) and have the same comprehensive, high-quality special education support and services when they transition to Kindergarten. If families do not choose to transition a child to Kindergarten, they may choose to enroll him/her in a private preschool and could then access any necessary special education services through the child’s elementary school on an appointment basis.

Children who attend Enoch Cobb Early Learning Center do not need to complete the registration process because they are already registered as a student in Barnstable Public Schools.   All other children new to the district will need to register for school. 

Kindergarten screenings will take place on August 31, 2022 and September 1, 2022 at your child’s elementary school. The schools will share information during the summer regarding the screening times being offered. During the screening, children will participate in brief, informal assessments. The information gained will help the school make classroom placement decisions.  Students with Individualized Education Programs (IEP) may participate in a modified screening. Additionally, Enoch Cobb Early Learning Center will hold Kindergarten Transition meetings with each elementary school to review the needs of any ECELC students moving on to that school who receive special education services.

Changes from preschool to Kindergarten in Barnstable include: a full day of school, slightly larger class sizes, specials or enrichment classes, lunch in the cafeteria and recess with larger groups of children. All Kindergarten classes have Kindergarten Assistants for a minimum of half-day who help support the students.

Children who receive special education services have an Individualized Education Program (IEP) which details exactly what services he/she will receive. This plan will follow your child from preschool to Kindergarten. Each elementary school is required to provide the services detailed on the IEP. Each elementary school has the same special education staff as ECELC which includes: Special Education Teachers, Physical Therapist, Occupation Therapist, Speech and Language Pathologists, School Psychologists, School Adjustment Counselors and Special Education Assistants. Your child will receive the same comprehensive, high quality special education services no matter which elementary school he/she attends.

Each elementary school offers different transition activities which may include: popsicles with the principal, practice bus rides, orientations or other opportunities to tour the building and learn about school procedures.  Please contact your child’s elementary school to find out what offerings are available.