Early Childhood Education

The Milwaukee Public Schools Division of Early Childhood Education promotes and provides high-quality and developmentally, linguistically, and culturally appropriate educational programming and services responsive to the needs of all children and families within the community.

Early childhood encompasses important milestones in your child’s life. These are critical years when your child takes the first steps toward developing individual skills, talents, and attitudes. MPS wants your child to become an enthusiastic learner at the start of his/her education. We are committed to developing the whole child to ensure that every child is healthy, safe, engaged, supported, and challenged.

At Milwaukee Public Schools, we offer a “first-class education to develop young minds!” By offering a variety of programs structured to help youngsters learn, your child will achieve lifelong academic success.

Kindergarten Registration Age Requirement

Under state law, children may but are not required to enter K3 if they have turned three years old on or before September 1. There are limited seats available in K3. To enter K4, children must be four years old on or before September 1. To enter K5, children must be five years old on or before September 1. Children born between September 2 and October 1 can be tested for early admissions to K5 only. Early admissions information is available at any MPS elementary school.

Mandatory Kindergarten Law

The State of Wisconsin has established a law requiring students to complete kindergarten before entering first grade. Schools may not enroll a child in first grade unless that child has completed five-year-old kindergarten. This rule applies to all Wisconsin schools, including charter schools.

For more information on enrollment in MPS kindergarten or the Mandatory Kindergarten Law, call 414-475-8448.