Yeah it's kinda lame that the date_select helper does nt allow you to assign your own id's or classes. I gt around it by using some JS to add class names to the date selects. So you can put this in your view below the date_select call:
<script type="text/javascript" > $$('select').each(function(el) { if(el.className == ""){ el.addClassName("date-required"); }; }); </script>
Maybe that points you in the right direction.
-- Ezra Zygmuntowicz-- Lead Rails Evangelist -- ez@engineyard.com -- Engine Yard, Serious Rails Hosting -- (866) 518-YARD (9273)