STEP Into Kindergarten

School District of Indian River County (SDIRC)

STEP into Kindergarten and Summer Bridge Program

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STEP into Kindergarten (Summer Transition Enrichment Program) with Summer Bridge is a FREE developmentally appropriate instructional program. Students who have completed a Voluntary Pre-K (VPK) program during the school year and are registered to attend Kindergarten at an SDIRC elementary school are eligible to apply. This program will be offered on three school sites: south county, north county and Fellsmere Elementary. Schools to be announced in January with District Summer School information. You may choose which site is most convenient for your family. The program runs from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm, 5 days a week. Free breakfast, lunch and transportation are provided. To be eligible for the STEP into K, your child must be 5 years old on or before September 1. 

Summer Bridge is a 25 day/100 instructional program for VPK completers. Summer Bridge Program is embedded in our STEP Into K and includes an extra week of instruction.  Summer Bridge Invitations will be based on STAR Early Literacy Scores and will be automatically accepted into the program.

Summer Application process begins March 1 – April 30.

The 2025 STEP Into K school sites are: South = Citrus Elementary  North = Sebastian Elementary & Fellsmere Elementary

Dates are: June 4 – July 2.   No school on June 19th.

Summer Bridge  Extension Week - July 7-11

See HOW TO APPLY STEP into Kindergarten.

HOW TO APPLY - STEP into Kindergarten

STEP 1: SDIRC STUDENT ID

Does your student already have an SDIRC ID?

Your student would have an SDIRC Student ID if:

  • They attend a SDIRC public school VPK
  • They have been screened at the SDIRC Early Learning Programs at 6055 62nd Ave
  • If you have already completed a SDIRC New Student enrollment for kindergarten or a SDIRC Magnet and Choice application

If yes, GO TO Step 3

If no, GO TO Step 2

STEP 2: Obtain SDIRC STUDENT ID

Create a FOCUS Parent Portal and complete a SDIRC New Student enrollment for kindergarten and a SDIRC Magnet and Choice application (if desired and if the application is open) https://sdirc.focusschoolsoftware.com/focus/auth/

Help for completing the New Student Enrollment process can be found at this link.

Help for completing the SDIRC Magnet & Choice application can be found at this link.

Now, Go to step 3

STEP 3: BEGIN STEP INTO KDG APPLICATION

Option I: Complete the STEP into Kindergarten Online Registration, NO LATER than April 30, 2025.

Option II: OPTION II: If you have trouble completing Option I, call or email the Early Learning Programs at 772-564-5030 or [email protected]

***Please note: You will need

· The Preschool name of your VPK Certificate of Eligibility for current (2024- 2025) school year

· The STAR Early Literacy scaled score from your most recent parent letter from your child’s FAST STAR Early Literacy Parent Report –scaled score (the number usually between 200-800) AND Percentile Rank (a number between 1-99)

STEP 4: COMPLETE APPLICATION

The following documents are required:

These documents can be uploaded in your FOCUS Parent Portal – under student name, “child info”, “Parent Uploads”

· Child’s Birth Certificate

· Proof of Residency (a bill for a service you receive in your name at your current address for example: water, cable/satellite, electricity, utilities)

· Child’s Social Security Card (requested but not required)

· Up to date Physical – Florida State Health Form

· Up to date Immunization records

STEP 5: ACCEPTANCE/WAITLIST EMAIL

In May, families will receive an email from Early Learning Programs indicating the status of your child’s STEP into K Application.

If accepted, go to step 6

If declined, you will be on a waitlist and notified as any opening arise

STEP 6: ATTEND ORIENTATION

2025 Orientation – TBA, (usually  June 3) at your child’s summer school location.

Attend program/classroom orientation for STEP into K. Please make sure your contact information such as phone number and email are always up to date in the FOCUS portal for successful communication.