<P> "K - 2" is often (and controversially) used interchangeably with "pre-kindergarten". Although early childhood education experts criticize the use of the term as a way to rationalize utilizing a kindergarten model and teaching kindergarten skills in pre-kindergarten classes, public school districts continue to incorporate the term as a way to integrate pre-kindergarten into the stable of accountability under the No Child Left Behind Act . </P> <P> To qualify for free pre-kindergarten in some states the child generally must be: </P> <Ul> <Li> 4 years old (some districts offer programs for 3 - year - olds) on or before September 1 and meet one of the following criteria: <Ul> <Li> Limited English Proficiency . (This refers to the United States only . In Canada and other countries, free pre-kindergarten programs may not necessarily be available to parents or may have different criteria for admission .) </Li> <Li> Economically Disadvantaged . Students qualifying as economically disadvantaged must meet the federal income eligibility guidelines . To qualify a family must have income below about 175% of the Annual Federal Poverty Guidelines (U.S.A.). </Li> <Li> Homeless . </Li> <Li> The child of a parent in the military or injured or killed while actively serving in the military . Appropriate U.S. Department of Defense identification or documentation must be provided . </Li> <Li> In or have been in the conservatorship of the state . Appropriate documentation from the Department of Family and Protective Services must be provided . </Li> </Ul> </Li> </Ul> <Li> 4 years old (some districts offer programs for 3 - year - olds) on or before September 1 and meet one of the following criteria: <Ul> <Li> Limited English Proficiency . (This refers to the United States only . In Canada and other countries, free pre-kindergarten programs may not necessarily be available to parents or may have different criteria for admission .) </Li> <Li> Economically Disadvantaged . Students qualifying as economically disadvantaged must meet the federal income eligibility guidelines . To qualify a family must have income below about 175% of the Annual Federal Poverty Guidelines (U.S.A.). </Li> <Li> Homeless . </Li> <Li> The child of a parent in the military or injured or killed while actively serving in the military . Appropriate U.S. Department of Defense identification or documentation must be provided . </Li> <Li> In or have been in the conservatorship of the state . Appropriate documentation from the Department of Family and Protective Services must be provided . </Li> </Ul> </Li>

At what age can you start pre k