Get Ready for the Alachua County Kindergarten Roundup

By Tracy Wright

It’s always a big milestone for parents when their child enters kindergarten. Alachua County’s Kindergarten Roundup, makes it easy for parents to enroll their children at their zoned elementary school quickly and efficiently while also allowing parents and children to get comfortable with the school, teachers and classmates.

The 2019 Kindergarten Roundup will take place on May 15, 2019, at all Alachua County elementary schools. Under state law, a child must be 5 years old on or before Sept. 1st, to start kindergarten. Parents who are unsure of what school their child is zoned for, can call the zoning office at (352) 955-7700.

When attending the roundup, parents should be prepared to bring their child’s certified birth certificate, proof of physical exam, immunization records, social security card and two different proofs of residence in the parent’s name. is may be a rental or lease agreement, utility bill, deed, sales agreement or property tax bill.

Children entering kindergarten need to have a physical exam the year prior to enrollment and bring an official physical form to the roundup. They should also bring the Department of Health Form 680, as the required immunization document. Staff at the doctor’s office, clinic or the Alachua County Health Department may ll out the form. Parents will need to have the child’s immunization record in order to obtain the form.

It is advised that parents try to obtain the physical form and immunization records as soon as they can, as pediatrician’s offices and the health department typically gets very busy before the school year begins.

At the roundup, parents will also have an opportunity to register their incoming kindergarten students for the 2019-2020 Extended Day Enrichment Program (EDEP), which is the early morning and aftercare program provided by the district. Parents can fill out a registration card and make a $25 deposit to hold a spot. Parents may contact their child’s school for more information or call the district’s EDEP office at (352) 955-7766.

“It’s always a good idea for incoming students and their families to attend the roundup to see the campus, meet the staff and learn more about their school, so that they’re more familiar and comfortable with it when school starts in the fall. Having more students enrolled early also helps the school with planning,” said Jackie Johnson, Public Information Officer for the Alachua County School District.

If families cannot attend the Kindergarten Roundup, families may go to the school at any time during regular hours to enroll their child, even during the summer.

They may also call the school to make an appointment.

Immunizations Required for Kindergarten Enrollment

  • Diphtheria-Tetanus- Pertussis (DTP) Series
  • Hepatitis B Series
  • Measles-Mumps- Rubella (two doses of Measles vaccine, preferably as MMR)
  • Polio Series
  • 2 Varicella vaccines or Chickenpox(physician documentation of disease or vaccine)