Nebraska Preschool & TK
In Nebraska, children must turn 5 on or before July 31 to enter kindergarten. Nebraska has no transitional kindergarten ("young fives") program; its public early-learning option for younger children is state-funded pre-K. The state funds Nebraska Early Childhood Education Grant Program, a pre-K program for three- to five-year-olds who meet at-risk or other eligibility criteria. Head Start is available statewide for income-eligible families.
A child must turn 5 on or before July 31 to start kindergarten
July 31
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Turns 5 by July 31
Starts kindergarten this school year.
Turns 5 after July 31
Waits until the next school year — a good fit for TK or pre-K.
Key early-childhood facts for Nebraska
- Kindergarten entrance cutoff
- Children must turn 5 on or before July 31 to start kindergarten.
- Free pre-K options
- Free state-funded pre-K is available to eligible three- to five-year-olds through Nebraska Early Childhood Education Grant Program.
- Notes
- Nebraska has no transitional kindergarten program. Its public early-learning pathway before kindergarten is state-funded pre-K (Nebraska Early Childhood Education Grant Program) plus Head Start.
Head Start and early learning resources
Find local Head Start and state pre-K programs: https://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/center-locator
State early education website
Last updated 6/21/2026. Always confirm current rules with your state education department or local school district.