Time to register your little ones

Several Spokane area school districts will begin registering kindergarten and new students this week for the 2006-2007 academic year. School officials say early registration helps them plan for staffing needs. Many rural districts and those in Idaho plan to open registration in April, May or late summer; check with your local school for exact dates.

Who can register? Most districts, including Spokane Public Schools, stick to Washington state law that mandates children be 5 years old on or before Aug. 31 in order to register for kindergarten. The law, however, allows for exceptions if a district establishes a screening process to determine a child’s readiness even if he or she doesn’t meet the age requirement.

Mead, for example, has such a screening process, but early entrance depends not only on the child being deemed ready for kindergarten but also space availability. Idaho law states that students must be 5 years old on or before Sept. 1 to attend kindergarten, no exceptions.

To register a child, parents or guardians should bring the child’s birth certificate (or other verification of age), immunization records and proof of residency. Other information to have handy includes phone numbers and addresses for the child’s doctor and an emergency contact. Also bring information about special needs or medical concerns.

Upcoming registration dates

Spokane Public Schools, Tuesday through March 10, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at elementary schools.

Mead School District is already registering kindergarten students.

Central Valley Schools, registration begins Wednesday.

East Valley Schools, registration begins Wednesday.

West Valley Schools, registration begins March 9.

Orientation for parents interested in joining the Spokane Schools’ APPLE (Alternate Parent Participation Learning Experience) program is tonight at 7 p.m. at the district administration building, 200 N. Bernard St. Parents must attend an orientation to be eligible for the lottery for the program.

Orientation for Spokane Schools’ Montessori program is Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Jefferson Elementary, 3612 S. Grand Blvd. Again, parents must attend orientation to be eligible for the lottery for the program.