What age for starting school in Iowa?

[D2B]

Hi

Any help / information REALLY apprciated.

At what age do children have to start compulsory school in Iowa? In the UK, official school starts at 5, (most of europe at 6), before then it is kindergarden, childcare etc of your choice.

My husband may be relocated to the US, so any links, sites relating to schooling, family life, surviving and fitting in

also most welcome.

Thanks

D2B

 

[Pandora II]

You can get your kids into school earlier in the UK if you go private.

Both FI and my youngest sister both started school at 2.5. I went at 4.

FI''s mother caught him reading to his older brother and decided it was time for school!

 

[somethingshiny]

HERE is a link to the Iowa Dept. of Education.


What is school age?

Answer:
School-aged children are ages five (5) on or before September 15 to age 21. At this age a child MAY be enrolled in a school district until the child meets graduation requirements (or their equivalent). School age is different from compulsory attendance age; the latter being when a child MUST be enrolled in and attending school. Iowa Code sections 282.1; 282.3; 282.6.

What is "compulsory school age"?

Answer:
Compulsory attendance age is the age when a child MUST attend school. In Iowa, children who are at least six (6) and not yet 16 years of age by September 15 are of compulsory attendance age. Iowa

There is also a huge array of Preschool options, from 1-2 mornings/afternoons a week, to everyday. Preschool is completely optional.

 

[MichelleCarmen]

Preschool is optional. . . I've read that in some European countries that preschool and child care is free, so possibly it is in the U.K? I just wanted to note that here in the US it costs money to put kids in preschool and/or childcare, but public "compulsory" school is free. Full-day Kindgarten costs money in many districts, though. . . we had to pay $200 a month for my son's school which is a public tax-supported school and provides free education to half day kindergarten and all other grades. My younger son's preschool is $480 a month and he goes part time.

How old are your kids?

 

[D2B]

Thanks for your replies. I wil check out the link somethingshiny, and the pricing info is useful for the states MC. MC, or anyone else, do you know childcare rates I will want to return to work part-time if this goes ahead - so something else to think about. Is there a link for childcare in IOWA - an official sort of link that provices ratings, costs, features etc.

Our son is nearly four and goes a wonderful public nursery, which is free. There are lots of private ones to chose from as well here, so it is really up to you where you go.

D2B

 

[MichelleCarmen]

For childcare, you'll have to shop around to find good rates at GREAT schools around the location you live. Prices will vary if you live in a major city or suburb. My son's cost for 21 hours is about $5.71 per hour.

You can look up second income websites that will calculate how much you actually make as a parent working outside the home vs. staying home when you factor in all your taxes, childcare, and travel, etc. It's a handy tool in making sure you're earning enough to work while your kids are young and will help you determine if you should file your taxes together or seperate from your husband.