<h1>During the 2017 WV legislative session, delegates put forward Senate Bill 186, which changed the eligibility date for 4-year-olds statewide. Legislators felt that this was in the best interest of students and educational facilities. The bill was signed by the Governor and is now law.</h1> Beginning with the 2018-2019 school year, the age and month cutoff for WV preschoolers has changed. Children must be 4-years-old on or before June 30, 2018, to enroll in preschool beginning in the Fall of 2018. There is no early entrance option for pre-k students. Beginning with the 2019-2020 school year, the age and month cutoff for WV K students will change. Children will have to be 5-years-old on or before June 30, 2019, to enroll in K beginning in the Fall of 2019. Early entrance testing will be available for students who turn five by July 15, 2019. <strong> Why was this change made?</strong> During the 2017 WV legislative session, delegates put forward Senate Bill 186, which changed the eligibility date for 4-year-olds statewide. Legislators felt that this was in the best interest of students and educational facilities. The bill was signed by the Governor and is now law. <strong>So, if my child turns four on July 1, they will not be eligible in 2018?</strong> That is correct. Your child must turn 4 before July 1, 2018, in order to be eligible for 2018-2019 preschool. For 2019-2020 kindergarten, your child must turn five before July 1. <strong>So, my child with a birthday between July 1 and Aug. 31, 2018, will begin Pre-K as a five-year-old in 2019?</strong> That is correct. Depending on their birthday, they may begin preschool as a 4-year-old or 5-year-old. <strong>Is there any exception to this rule or anything that can be done?</strong> Unfortunately, no. This change is now law across West Virginia. Limited three-year-old slots are available for income eligible and students with identified special needs. <strong>What was the cutoff date in previous years?</strong> Previously, students could begin preschool if their 4th birthday was on or before Aug. 31 and K if their 5th birthday was on or before Aug. 31. The Greenbrier County Schools Preschool staff may be reached at 304-647-7105.
