English Multilingual Guide - Parks and Community ... - City of Kirkland

CHILDREN’S EDUCATION
About Education
All children between the ages of 8 and 18 must attend
school in the state of Washington. It is the law and
is called the “Becca Bill.” If a student does not
attend school regularly, this law requires the school
district to get involved and in some cases, parents and
children must go to court. It is very important for parents to call the school’s
attendance office when a child will miss school.
Public education is free for children from age 5 through high school. Most
children begin school at age 5 in “Kindergarten.” Kindergarten is for half-day;
full day is also available at most schools, but you must pay for it. Schools have
information about starting Kindergarten in the early part of each calendar
year; contact your local school. The school year begins in early September and
runs through the middle of June every year. Schools have lunches that children
can buy and low-income families are eligible for free or reduced cost lunches.
Apply at your child’s school.
Before children can enter school, they must be vaccinated against certain
illnesses. Your child’s doctor or Public Health nurse can tell you if your child’s
immunizations are complete and up to date.
To enroll your child in school, contact your nearest neighborhood school. Be
prepared to bring the child’s birth certificate, immunization information, two
emergency contacts, and social security number (optional).
All children are entitled to specialized educational services, if they are eligible,
up to age 21 or until they graduate from high school. To have your child
tested for special needs, talk to your local school. Many schools offer services
for students who do not speak English as their first language. Programs are
different depending on the school and the district.
Parents are expected to participate actively in their children’s
education. This means talking with the teacher, reading to
your child, making sure their homework gets done, and
volunteering in the classroom, if possible. The best
way to ensure a good education for your child is to be
involved as much as you can.
36 YOUR FAMILY East King County Multilingual Resource Guide