SCH CD-LOWER COMPULSORY AGE Senate SponsorsSen. Kwame Raoul 1/13/2009SenateSession Sine Die 105 ILCS 5/10-22.18from Ch. 122, par. 10-22.18105 ILCS 5/26-1from Ch. 122, par. 26-1105 ILCS 5/26-2from Ch. 122, par. 26-2Amends the School Code. Beginning with the 2007-2008 school year, lowers the compulsory school age from 7 years to 5 years; makes a related change. Beginning with the 2007-2008 school year, requires all school districts to establish kindergarten for the instruction of children who are 5 years of age or older. Adds any child attending a non-profit or for-profit child care center that provides kindergarten where children are taught the branches of education taught to children of corresponding age and grade in the public schools and where the instruction of the child in the branches of education is in the English language to the list of children who are not required to attend the public schools. Beginning with the 2007-2008 school year, provides for an exception to the compulsory school age provision for any child who has not reached the age of 7 years by September 1 and whose parent or guardian notifies the school district or school that he or she does not wish the child to attend school until the following school year because the child, in the opinion of the parent or guardian, is not mentally, physically, or emotionally prepared to attend school. Provides that in such cases, the child's attendance may be delayed for one school year. Effective immediately. 2/8/2007SenateFiled with Secretary by Sen. Kwame Raoul 2/8/2007SenateFirst Reading 2/8/2007SenateReferred to Rules 2/21/2007SenateAssigned to Education 3/8/2007SenateHeld in Education 3/16/2007SenateRule 3-9(a) / Re-referred to Rules 1/13/2009SenateSession Sine Die