The Maine DOE is proposing rules pertaining to public preschool programs.
This rule establishes the substantive school approval standards pertaining to school administrative units (SAUs) which operate a public preschool program. Its intent is to provide a framework for planning and growth with local flexibility as influenced by local conditions.
This rule also establishes procedures for monitoring of SAUs which operate a public preschool program by which the Commissioner or his designee will determine compliance with applicable standards and methods of enforcement for ensuring compliance.
An early childhood stakeholder group worked with the Department during the winter and spring of 2014 to review and to suggest enhancements to the Recommended Quality Standards of Program Practice, which had been posted on the Public Preschool web page since 2007. This regulation reflects the recommended quality standards.
The proposed rule is available here.
A public hearing will be held on Monday, Nov. 17 from 10 a.m. to noon in Room 103 of the Burton Cross Office Building at 111 Sewall Street in Augusta.
Written comments may be submitted to the Department’s Federal State Legislative Liaison Joanne Holmes via email at jaci.holmes@maine.gov; by mail at 23 State House Station, Augusta, Maine 04333-0023; or via hand delivery to the 5th Floor of the Burton Cross Office Building at 111 Sewall Street in Augusta. The deadline for all comments is 5 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 5.