JGAA - R - ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURE FOR THE ASSIGNMENT OF STUDENTS TO CLASSES - 5 YEAR OLDS

JGAA - R - ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURE FOR THE ASSIGNMENT OF STUDENTS TO CLASSES - 5 YEAR OLDS

1. Purpose
   This administrative regulation establishes procedures for the initial placement of students who are at least five years old on October 15 of the school year and who enroll in the Regional School Unit 21 (RSU 21). These procedures are intended to ensure consistent, equitable, and developmentally appropriate placement decisions in accordance with Maine law and Board policy.
   
   This regulation does not address eligibility requirements for public preschool programs or placement determinations for students with disabilities, which are governed by applicable state and federal laws.
    
2. Standard Initial Placement
   Students who are at least five years old on October 15 of the school year shall be initially placed in Kindergarten, consistent with the intent of Maine law and RSU 21 Board policy.
    
3. Exceptions to Initial Placement
   It is recognized that, as with placement decisions at any grade level, exceptions to initial placement may be justified under limited circumstances. Any exception shall be based on the best educational interests of the student and supported by appropriate information and documentation.
    
4. Placement in Grade One for Age-Eligible Students
   1. Principal Authority
      The building Principal may place a student who is five years old on October 15 of the school year directly into grade one when the Principal determines that the student’s social, emotional, and developmental maturity demonstrates a strong likelihood of success at the grade one level.
       
   2. Assessment and Evaluation
      The school reserves the right to administer assessments, screening tools, or other evaluations deemed appropriate by the Principal to support an informed placement decision.
       
   3. Appeal
      Parents/guardians may appeal the Principal’s placement decision to the Superintendent by submitting a written appeal within ten (10) school days of notification of the decision. The Superintendent shall review the appeal and issue a written decision within a reasonable time. The Superintendent’s decision shall be final.
       
5. Conditional Placement and Review Procedures
   1. Demonstrated Success - Placements made pursuant to an exception shall be conditional upon demonstrated success. Demonstrated success may include, but is not limited to:
      1. Satisfactory academic progress toward grade-level expectations
      2. Age-appropriate social and emotional adjustment
      3. Ability to function independently and appropriately within the instructional environment
      4. Consistent attendance and engagement

Multiple sources of information shall be considered, and no single factor shall be dispositive.

2. Review Timeline
   Students placed pursuant to an exception shall be reviewed according to the following schedule:
   1. Initial Review: Within six (6) to eight (8) weeks of placement
   2. Subsequent Review: At the conclusion of the first marking period
   3. Additional Reviews: As deemed necessary by the Principal if concerns arise
       
3. Review Process
   The review shall be conducted by the Principal or designee and may include input from:
   1. Classroom teacher(s)
   2. School counselor, psychologist, or other support staff, as appropriate
   3. Parents/guardians

The review shall consider academic data, classroom observations, behavioral and social-emotional indicators, and professional judgment.

4. Review Outcomes
   Based on the review, the Principal may:
   1. Continue the placement without modification
   2. Continue the placement with additional supports or interventions
   3. Recommend a change in placement when it is determined that the student’s educational needs would be better met in a different setting

Parents/guardians shall be notified in writing of the outcome of each review.

6. Students Promoted from Kindergarten in Another State
   A student who is five years old on October 15 of the school year and who was enrolled in a public Kindergarten program in another state and promoted to grade one may enroll in grade one in RSU 21, subject to administrative verification of prior enrollment and promotion.
    
7. Documentation
   All placement decisions made pursuant to this regulation shall be reported to the Superintendent and documented in the student’s educational record in accordance with RSU 21 procedures.

Date: 04/07/26