CA SB70

Beginning with the 2024–25 school year, requires a child to complete one year of kindergarten before admission to first grade at a public elementary school, including charter schools.

Allows exceptions for children lawfully admitted to public or private kindergarten in California who have not yet completed one school year but are judged by school administration to be ready for first-grade work, with parental consent and if at least five years old.

Specifies that transitional kindergarten does not count toward fulfilling the kindergarten completion requirement.

Allows school district governing boards or charter school governing bodies to admit children after the first school month for good cause.

Provides that if the Commission on State Mandates determines the bill imposes state-mandated costs, reimbursement shall be made pursuant to California Government Code Part 7.