What are the kindergarten and pre-kindergarten eligibility criteria for incoming homeless students?
In Texas, a student is entitled to enroll in kindergarten if the student is 5 years of age or older on September 1 of the school year. Thus, a district will only receive full-day ADA for students who meet this criterion. Note, however, that because students evacuated due to hurricane damage are classified as homeless, they are eligible for pre-kindergarten services in accordance with the terms of Section 29.153, Texas Education Code (TEC). A school district or charter school may choose to enroll a student evacuee who will turn 5 subsequent to September 1 in a grade level other than prekindergarten, but state funding will in that instance be provided on half-day basis only. Young children with disabilities ages 3-5 are eligible for special education services upon their 3rd birthday regardless of the date. Upon enrollment, an IEP team will determine student services.
