The Ohio Department of Education provides parents with a Kindergarten Readiness Checklist which can act as a guide for parents to determine if a child is ready for kindergarten. See the chart below for examples of kindergarten readiness:

 

Physical Skills	Health & Safety Needs	Personal Needs	Social & Emotional Skills
Does your child...	Has your child...	Without your help, can your child...	Does your child...
enjoy outdoor play such as running, jumping, and climbing?	had required shots?	use the bathroom?	play well with other children?
draw and trace basic shapes?	had a dental exam?	wash hands?	separate from a parent without being upset?
cut with scissors?	had a vision exam?	brush teeth?	share with other children?
bounce a ball?	learned own first and last name?	use tissue to blow nose?	care about the feelings of others?
ride a tricycle?	learned first and last name of parent?	button and zip up shirts and pants?	follow routines?
	learned to watch for cars when crossing the street?	put on and take off coat?	put toys away when asked?
	learned to not talk to strangers?	tie and/or Velcro shoes?
	developed a set routine for going to bed?
	follow rules for safety?
Source:  http://education.ohio.gov/Topics/Early-Learning/Guidance-About-Kindergarten/Kindergarten-Readiness-Checklist

  

If your child turns five years old between August 1 and December 31, and you feel that they may be ready for kindergarten for the upcoming school year, you may have them tested for early entrance. Please review A Parent’s Guide to Early Entrance to Kindergarten for valuable information to help you determine if your child is ready for kindergarten. After reading the guide, if you feel your child is ready to start kindergarten, complete an Early Entrance to Kindergarten application and submit it before August 1. Contact Laticia Gilpen at (614) 916-1173 with questions about Early Entrance Testing. According to the Acceleration Policy, only children who pass this test and prove to be good candidates for entering school early will be eligible to start kindergarten in the fall. 

If your child turns five years old after December 31, they are not eligible to apply for Early Entrance Testing and must wait to enter kindergarten until the following fall.

If your child is six-years-old by June 30 and has not attended any school, you may apply for permission to have your child “skip” kindergarten and go directly to the first grade. They will need to be tested by our school district. Contact our Welcome Center at 614-491-8288 for assistance.