CA AB2226

Beginning with the 2026-27 school year, children must complete one year of kindergarten before admission to first grade at public elementary schools, including charter schools.

Exception allows children who have attended kindergarten but not completed one full year to skip to first grade if judged ready by school administration and with parent consent, provided the child is at least five years old.

Parents retain the choice to enroll children in public school kindergarten, private school kindergarten, or homeschooling before first grade enrollment.

Legislation intends to fund kindergarten as a mandatory grade beginning 2026-27 to ensure access to quality early education and reduce achievement gaps and special education costs.

If the Commission on State Mandates determines the bill creates state-mandated costs, reimbursement to local agencies and school districts shall be made pursuant to applicable state law.