Four Year Old Programs

Four year old programs, offered through a school administrative unit, are defined as a “public preschool program” by Maine Education and School Statute.

Children must be four years of age by October 15 of the entering school year, in order to be eligible for a public preschool program.

As per Title 20-A Education, Chapter 206, Subchapter II, 4502, Subsection 9:

Any school administrative unit that wishes to develop an early childhood program for children four years of age must submit a proposal for approval to the Department of Education.

While the Maine Department of Education encourages the development of such programs, decisions to implement a four year old program are made by local school units, dependent upon local school board approval.

For more information and/or technical assistance, contact:

Janine Blatt, Early Childhood Consultant

PHONE: 207-624-6632

FAX: 207-624-6661

Email: janine.blatt@maine.gov