Parents Talk: Braving Kindergarten Registration

In this edition of Parents Talk, we're posing a question of great importance (and anxiety) for many new parents of school-age children: Kindergarten.

For locally-zoned public schools, registration for Kindergarten , according to the latest info given on the city Department of Education Web site. 

So the questions proliferate: what do I need to bring to prove that I live in District 26? What does a 'zoned' school mean? Will my child's entire life be ruined if he or she goes to the wrong school?

Let me offer my own answer to that last question: Probably not.

But for all of the other concerns, here's a question for anyone with the first-hand experience to offer our readers: What tips would you give new parents about navigating the sometimes-scary, sometimes-confusing Kindergarten registration maze?

Thanks to for starting us off:

Although my children do not attend NYC public schools, I can give the following general advise when registering for Kindergarten. 

1. Be mindful of the application deadlines for programs.
2. Keep a file of documents proving your residency.
3. Speak to other parents who went through the experience!
4. Go to the NYC public schools website for information regarding the school your child will be attending.