The purpose of the SDOC Department of Early Learning is to promote the development of language, social/emotional behaviors, and academic skills to eligible preschool children in need of early interventions. Our Early Learning Programs are designed to help prepare our students for success in kindergarten. The Early Learning team oversees the Child Find, Preschool Intervention Program and 4K programs and provides support to our kindergarten programs and staff.
K5 Kindergarten
According to state law, children who will be five years old on or before September 1st of the current year must enroll in public or private kindergarten unless the parent or legal guardian signs a waiver. Please visit the district Enrollment Portal to register your student for Kindergarten.
- How old does a child have to be to attend Kindergarten?
- What do I need to enroll my student in Kindergarten?
- Kindergarten Waiver Information
How old does a child have to be to attend Kindergarten?
What do I need to enroll my student in Kindergarten?
To enroll a new student in kindergarten, a parent must present the following at registration:
- Photo ID
- State-issued Birth Certificate
- Signed SC DHEC Certificate of Immunization, SC Conditional Certificate of Immunization or SC Religious Exemption Certificate (Religious Exemption Certificate provided by SC Health Department or a doctor's office)
- Two current “proof of residency” document such as a current electric bill or current mortgage/lease statement
Please note: If your student attended an SDOC 4K program, your student is considered a "returning student." You will not need the items above because you provided them when you registered to attend the 4K program.
Kindergarten Waiver Information
Attendance is mandatory and compulsory for five-year-olds. State law states “students may enter kindergarten in the public schools of this State if they will attain the age of five on or before September 1st of the applicable school year or have substantially initiated a public school kindergarten program in another state that has a different attendance age requirement from South Carolina.” However, parents may sign a waiver at their local school district office if they desire not to send their child(ren) to kindergarten.
4K Program
The School District of Oconee County offers free 4K classes for students who are considered at-risk. We currently have 19 4K classes, with at least one program in each of our elementary schools.
- Who qualifies for the free 4K program?
- 4K Screenings
- How old does a child have to be to attend 4K?
- Can my student attend an SDOC 4K program if I pay a fee?
- What do I need to bring to my child's 4K screening appointment
Who qualifies for the free 4K program?
To qualify for free 4K programs, at least one of the following situations must apply:
- Family income is at or below the 100% below poverty level
- Child is eligible for Medicaid
- Child has documented developmental delays,
- Child has an Individual Education Plan (IEP) requiring pre-kindergarten
- Child is placed in a foster home
- Child is homeless.
4K Screenings
Screenings are held each spring in preparation for the following school year. Appointments are required. To schedule an appointment, please call 864-718-5133. For a Spanish speaking representative, call 864-718-4938
2023 Screening Dates
Tuesday, March 7, 2023
Tuesday, March 14, 2023
Thursday, March 16, 2023
Tuesday, March 21, 2023
Thursday, March 23, 2023
Tuesday, March 28, 2023
All screenings are held at:
Bountyland Education Campus 100 Vocational Drive SenecaHow old does a child have to be to attend 4K?
Can my student attend an SDOC 4K program if I pay a fee?
What do I need to bring to my child's 4K screening appointment
Parents MUST bring the following items to the screening appointment:
- Legal LONG Form birth certificate
- Child’s SC DHEC immunization record
- Proof of income for both parents or child’s Medicaid card
- 2 Items that prove residency (Ex. water bill, power bill, or rental agreement)
- Legal documentation as it pertains to the child (such as custody, court, safety plans, etc.)
Pre-School Intervention Program (PIP)
The Preschool Intervention Program (PIP) is a free program designed to serve three and four year old children who have special education needs, and require an IEP (Individualized Education Plan). PIP provides learning experiences that help improve communication, motor, cognitive, social, and self-help skills. Children are served in the least restrictive environment based on each individual’s needs.
Preschool Intervention Program services may include:
- Developmental, educational, speech-language, OT/PT and psychological testing services
- Parent education and support
- Occupational, physical, and speech therapy when applicable
- Assistive technology evaluation, services, and devices when applicable
Child Find
Child Find is a component of the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) that requires states to identify, locate, and evaluate all children with disabilities ages 3 to 21. The purpose of Child Find is to identify children, ages 3 through 21 years, not enrolled in public school, who may have developmental delays or special needs and to provide those children with educational services.
To reach the Child Find Coordinator please call 864.718.5133
- What kind of services could a child receive?
- Who can refer children to be screened?
- How can I have my child evaluated?
- Who can be screened?
- How much does it cost to participate?
- Where are screenings held and how long will it last?
- How can I tell if my 2-3 year old may have a developmental delay?
What kind of services could a child receive?
Who can refer children to be screened?
- Parents of young children (ages 2 1/2 to 4) who have concerns about their child’s development
- Parents of school-age children (ages 5 to 21) not enrolled in a public school program who suspect an educational disability
- Care providers such as health care providers, community agencies, childcare programs, and social workers with parental consent
How can I have my child evaluated?
Who can be screened?
How much does it cost to participate?
Where are screenings held and how long will it last?
How can I tell if my 2-3 year old may have a developmental delay?
Below are a few milestones that most 2-3 year old children are able to do. If you child is not able to do these things, it is possible they may have a developmental delay. We would encourage you to reach out to the Child Find Office if you have any questions or concerns.
- Able to speak in short phrases and sentences a stranger could understand
- Able to play with other children
- Able to feed themselves and drink from an open cup
- Able to copy lines, complete simple puzzles, and build with blocks
- Able to Match colors
- Able to name common objects around the house
- Able to listen to a book being read aloud for 5 minutes.
Resources
BabyNet is South Carolina’s interagency early intervention system for infants and toddlers under three years of age with developmental delays, or who have conditions associated with developmental delays. BabyNet matches the special needs of infants and toddlers who have developmental delays with the professional resources available within the community. Services are provided in everyday routines, activities and places relevant to the life of the family. BabyNet is funded and regulated through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and managed through South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.
Anyone can make a referral by completing an online referral forms or by calling the Central Referral Team at 800.512.8881