Deped reminds schools to strictly implement Kindergarten cut-off age

The Department of Education (DepEd) reminded both public and private schools to see to it that the Kindergarten cut-off age must be strictly implemented during the Early Registration for School Year (SY) 2022-2023.

“As we are set to conduct early registration, we remind our school authorities from both public and private schools to strictly implement the Kindergarten cut-off age under DO 020, s. 2018,” Education Secretary Leonor Briones said.

Based on the DepEd Order, the age qualification for kindergarten learners in both public and private schools should be five years old by June 1 of every calendar year.

But, DepEd said that the school “may consider learners entering kindergarten who will turn five (5) years old by the end of August”.

For schools starting their school year in July, Kindergarten learners should be five years old by July 1 and the extension period will be until Sept. 30.

And for schools starting their school year in August, Kindergarten Learners should be five years old by Aug. 1 and the extension period shall be until Oct. 31.

DepEd said that private schools may “impose additional requirements” on incoming Kindergarten learners as long as these are “consistent with existing laws, rules, and regulations.”

DepEd is conducting the Early Registration for SY 2022-2023 from March 25 to April 30, 2022.

The department aims to “ensure that incoming learners are registered for the next SY and help the Department better anticipate and deal with the possible challenges and concerns” as stated in the DepEd Order No. 3, s. 2018 or the Basic Education Enrollment Policy.

“All incoming Kindergarten, Grades 1, 7, and 11 learners in all public elementary and secondary schools are encouraged to pre-register to allow the Department to make necessary preparations and adjustment of plans for the incoming School Year,” Briones said.