Parents wanting to enroll their children in kindergarten or junior kindergarten for the 2008-2009 school year are encouraged to register soon, said the state Department of Education.

Children who will be 5 years old on or before Aug. 1 may enroll in regular kindergarten, while children who reach 5 years of age between Aug. 2 and Dec. 31 may enroll in the new junior kindergarten.

Junior kindergarten will provide the younger students with learning experiences that match their developmental abilities, and build a foundation for future school attitudes and success. Kindergarten is not mandatory in Hawai'i.

To assist each school's need for accurate enrollment projections, all parents are encouraged to register their children for the full-day classes at their neighborhood schools during the dates below. Parents can call their district office to determine which school their child should attend.

District, Phone, Dates:

• Honolulu District, 733-4950, Feb. 1-15

• Central District, 627-7480, Feb. 1-15

• Leeward District, 675-0320, Feb. 1-15

• Windward District, 233-5700, Feb. 1-15

• Hawai'i District, Various dates in February and March. Call schools or district.

(Hilo, Laupahoehoe, Waiakea), 808-974-6600

(Ka'u, Kea'au, Pahoa), 808974-6602

(West Hawai'i and Honoka'a), 808-327-4991

• Maui District, 808-984-8000, Various dates in February and March. Call schools or district.

• Kauai District, 808-274-3502, Feb. 1-29

To enroll a child for the first time in Hawai'i's public schools, parents need to present proof of their residential address, the child's birth certificate, release records from the last school attended (not applicable for kindergarten), and required health and immunization records. For more information on school health requirements, registration, and junior kindergarten, go to http://doe.k12.hi.us/parents.