Public Preschool Programs for Four Year Old Children

INFORMATIONAL LETTER: 82
POLICY CODE: IHCF

To: Superintendent of Schools
From: Susan A. Gendron, Commissioner of Education
Date: February 6, 2008
Subject: PUBLIC PRESCHOOL PROGRAMS FOR FOUR YEAR OLD CHILDREN

The purpose of this letter is to update all school administrative units on the newly refined definition of a public four year old program, the MEDMS reporting requirements for this program, and the new Endorsement 081: Early Childhood Teacher required for teachers of public four year old programs.

1. DEFINITION OF “PUBLIC PRESCHOOL PROGRAM”

On September 20, 2007, the definition of “public preschool program” was added to Title 20-A Maine Education and School Statutes. Children who are four by October 15 of a school year and attend a public four year old program were previously considered part of a “two year kindergarten” program.” They are now enrolled in a “public preschool program.”

As per Title 20-A Section 4502(9), regarding basic school approval, 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. The proposal must demonstrate coordination with other early childhood programs in the community to maximize resources, and must meet other criteria listed in that provision.

Schools currently offering a public preschool program should make sure that they have an approved plan on file with the Department of Education for each elementary school offering this program. If you have questions, please contact:

Janine Blatt, Early Childhood Consultant
624-6632
janine.blatt@maine.gov

Information about public preschool programs for four year old children can be found at:
http://www.maine.gov/education/fouryearold/index.html

2. STUDENT DATA

Schools that have a letter from the Department of Education approving their public preschool program should make sure that the MEDMS student data information includes as a grade level:
“4YearOlds’Program.”

Please contact the MEDMS Help Desk (624-6896) if this grade level is missing. All children attending a public preschool program should be reported in this
“4YearOlds’Program” grade level.

3. EARLY CHILDHOOD REVISIONS TO CHAPTER 115: CERTIFICATION,
AUTHORIZATION AND APPROVAL OF EDUCATION PERSONNEL

This rule sets forth the requirements for educator certifications and authorizations, and for approval of education personnel.

Amendments to Chapter 115 include a new endorsement for early childhood educators. This endorsement is the required endorsement for teachers in a public preschool program. Requirements for 1.17, Endorsement 081: Early Childhood Teacher can be found at:
http://www.maine.gov/sos/cec/rules/05/071/071c1152.doc

Current teachers in a public preschool program will need to apply for this additional endorsement through the Department’s certification office:
http://www.maine.gov/education/forms/fingerprint/letter_1.htm

If you have questions about this endorsement, please contact:
Anne Wehrman, Certification Office
624-6603
anne.wehrman@maine.gov

When a school partners with a community agency to offer a public preschool program and the community agency employs teaching staff, those teachers and or teacher assistants must also hold the appropriate endorsement from the Department of Education. If you have questions about partnership programs, please contact:

Janine Blatt, Early Childhood Consultant
624-6632
janine.blatt@maine.gov