Kindergarten Registration
Kindergarten Registration Frequently-Asked Questions
My child will not turn five years old until March-July. Should I wait to begin the enrollment process until he/she turns five?
No, as long as his/her birthday is before August 1 of the current year you can enroll your student for kindergarten.
My child does not turn five years old until August 1 this year (or after)? Can I make a special request for him/her to start kindergarten this year?
Missouri Revised Statute Section 160.053 states that “a child is eligible for admission to kindergarten if the child reaches the age of five (5) before the first day of August of the school year beginning in that calendar year." Therefore, a child with a birth date of August 1, 2026 or after would not be eligible for kindergarten in the 2026-2027 school year.
For additional information, please visit the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
Our appointment for immunizations is not scheduled until the summer. Should I wait to begin the enrollment process until his/her immunizations are up to date?
Immunization records DO NOT have to be complete or up to date to ENROLL your child for kindergarten. Your child just needs to have all required immunizations when they START kindergarten in August. Continue to enroll your kindergartner by submitting the incomplete immunization record and then submit the updated immunization record once he/she gets his/her shots before the start of school.
Where do I send updated immunization records?
You can fax the updated immunization records to the Welcome Center at 573-659-3028 or email them to welcomecenter@jcschools.us.
Where do I get my child immunized?
If your child’s immunizations are not current, immunizations are available from your primary health care provider. They are also available at your county health department.
Cole County Health Department (by appointment only)
3400 W Truman Blvd
Jefferson City, MO 65109
573-636-2181
Callaway County Health Department
4950 County Road 304
Fulton, MO
573-642-6881
What documents are required to enroll my child into kindergarten?
- An original state-issued birth certificate (no photocopies or hospital certificates)
- Immunization records
- Any legal documents pertaining to the student (custody papers, guardianship documents, ex parte orders, etc.)
- Parent/Guardian photo ID
- One proof of residency dated within the last 60 days that includes the parent/legal guardian’s name and address (please see next question for the list of acceptable proofs of residency)
What is acceptable proof of residency?
- Fully executed real estate contract - all signatures and date must be visible
- Home mortgage statement
- Electric bill
- Water bill
- Internet bill
- Cable bill
- Satellite bill
- JC utility/sewer bill
- Trash bill
- Section 8 Housing contract (fully executed)
- Department of Social Services (Family Support Division) documents
- Social Security Administration documents
- Renter/house insurance
- Property management company leases (signed by lessor and lessee)
If one proof of residency from the Primary List above is not possible or if the parent/legal guardian cannot produce acceptable proof of residency in his/her name, please contact the Welcome Center at 573-659-3043.
Proof of residency can be emailed to welcomecenter@jcschools.us or faxed to 573-659-3028. Please include the name(s) of the student(s) in the subject line for which you are providing proof of residency.
What is not an acceptable proof of residency?
- Bills in an enclosed envelope or disconnect notices
- Car or personal loan booklets
- Car registration or renewal
- Credit card statements or advertisements
- Driver’s licenses
- Internal Revenue Service (IRS) documents
- Junk mail or letters
- Mail received from JC Schools
- Personal property/real estate tax statements
- Voter registration cards
- Pay stubs
- Bank statements
Do I have to be the one to complete my child’s kindergarten enrollment or can I allow his/her step-parent, grandparent, etc. to complete the registration information and participate in the registration appointment?
A parent/legal guardian must be the one to complete the registration information and participate in the registration appointment.
I have a child living with me for whom I am the caretaker, but not the legal guardian. Can I enroll the student into kindergarten?
Please call the Welcome Center at 573-659-3043, and we will walk you through this process.
I cannot find my child’s birth certificate. Where can I get one?
If your child was born in the state of Missouri, you can get a birth certificate from:
Cole County Health Department
3400 W Truman Blvd
Jefferson City, MO 65109
573-636-2181
MO Department of Health & Senior Services
Bureau of Vital Records
930 Wildwood Drive
Jefferson City, MO
573-751-6387
Does the Jefferson City School District offer kindergarten screenings?
Yes, we offer kindergarten screenings. Our screenings typically take place during the kindergarten open houses. You must have begun the enrollment process to attend the open house, so please get your child’s enrollment done early!
When is kindergarten open house?
To learn more about kindergarten open house, contact your child's school. A complete list of elementary schools, along with their contact information, can be found here.
Should my child attend kindergarten open house?
Yes! We will be screening for kindergarten readiness during open house. This will also be his/her opportunity to see the school, meet the principal, meet all the kindergarten teachers, and see the kindergarten classrooms.
How do I know what school my child will attend? How do I know which kindergarten open house to attend?
Our Welcome Center staff can notify you which elementary school boundary you reside within. You can also utilize the address look-up tool by clicking here. If this tool doesn't answer your question please call 573-659-3043 and we can assist you.
Will I know who my child’s teacher is when we attend kindergarten open house?
No, unfortunately we will not be able to have teacher assignments prepared for kindergarten open house.
I am planning to move over the summer. Should I wait to enroll my child in kindergarten until we move?
No, please get the process started now. We will enroll your child into the school in whose boundary you currently live. Once you move, submit a new proof of residency to the Welcome Center, and we will update your address and school enrollment.
How do I enroll in summer school?
When you complete the online application for enrollment, summer school will be an option for you to select.
What are the dates/times for summer school?
The district will communicate summer school information via email.
What are the school start/end times during the regular school year?
All Elementary Schools: 7:45 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.
What is the phone number and address of my elementary school?
See a list of all elementary schools and their information here.
When/Where can I apply for free/reduced lunch?
Applications for free/reduced meals for the 2026-2027 school year will be available at a date TBD. At that time, check the JC Schools School Nutrition Services website for the online application. Paper forms will also be available and can be picked up at the Welcome Center after the date listed above.
Will my student be able to ride the school bus before/after school?
As a general rule, students who live greater than 1 mile from school are eligible for bus transportation. The Welcome Center staff will discuss this with you when you enroll your student.
When will I find out my child’s bus information?
Bus route information will be on your child's Parent Portal. If you do not have a Portal account, please email portalhelp@jcschools.us with what you are needing, your child's name and the school they will attend.