Time for kindergarten? Many schools are enrolling now

It's not too early to be thinking about next fall, especially if there's a child in your home entering kindergarten.

Boys and girls that have their fifth birthday on or before October 1, 2013, can start kindergarten this fall, as California moves the eligibility date back.

Many San Diego Unified schools will accept early enrollment... completing forms and paperwork well ahead of the start of school in September. Schools throughout the district are also conducting tours and some are even holding special events for next year's kindergarten parents.

Don't know where your neighborhood school is located? Go to San Diego Unified's SchoolFinder, enter your address and it will show you your neighborhood school. Enrolling there is easiest of all; simply bring the following during normal school hours:

• Child's original birth certificate or passport
• Child's original immunization record
• Proof of residence as one of the following:
• Utility bill (SDG&E, water bill, cable or telephone bill)
• Tax bill
• Military housing orders
• Rental or lease agreement
• More tips for enrollment»

School staff will copy all documents.

Your child may be eligible for transitional kindergarten, offered to students whose birthdays fall between Oct. 1 and Dec. 10 (the old kindergarten cutoff date). For more information on the program, go to the transitional kindergarten website.