AL HB331

Changes kindergarten enrollment eligibility from five years old by September 1 to five years old by December 31, allowing younger children to enter kindergarten earlier in the school year.

Requires children who become six years old between September 1 and December 31 to complete kindergarten or demonstrate first grade readiness on a State Board of Education-approved assessment before entering first grade.

Allows underage children (under five by September 1) to enroll in kindergarten on local board approval and space availability if they transfer from another state's kindergarten or meet local board criteria including a developmental readiness assessment.

Allows underage children to enter first grade only if transferring from first grade in another state.

Requires the State Board of Education to create and publish essential first grade readiness skills assessment; prohibits school systems from losing teacher units as a result of this law.