MSAD 75 Pre-K Information

Program Overview

MSAD 75 is committed to increasing access to high-quality early childhood learning. Our Pre-K program provides 64 students with a foundation for academic and social success before they enter Kindergarten. We currently host four Pre-K classrooms across the district:

• Bowdoin Central School (located in Bowdoin)
• Harpswell Community School (located in Harpswell)
• Williams-Cone Elementary School (located in Topsham)
• Woodside Elementary School (located in Topsham)

Program Basics

• Schedule: Classes follow the MSAD 75 district calendar (175 student days). The program runs five days per week for approximately six hours per day.
• Staffing: To maintain a 1:8 student-to-staff ratio, each classroom is staffed by a Maine-certified Early Childhood Teacher and Paraprofessional.
• Curriculum: We utilize evidence-based instructional materials aligned with the Maine Early Learning and Development Standards (MELDS).
• Environment: Our settings are designed for early learners, meeting all state regulations for physical movement, outdoor play, and rest, with facilities specifically sized for young children.

Eligibility Requirements

• Age: Children must be four years old on or before October 15, 2026.
• Note: We prioritize slots for children who are not yet school-age. If your child is five years old by October 15 and eligible for Kindergarten, they are not eligible for the Pre-K program.
• Residency: Families must reside within the towns of MSAD 75 (Bowdoin, Bowdoinham, Harpswell, and Topsham).

The Placement Process

Because interest typically exceeds the number of available seats, registration does not guarantee acceptance. We use a multi-step process to ensure fair and needs-based placement:

1. Application: Families submit an online registration to indicate interest.
2. Screening: All applicants are invited to a screening appointment to demonstrate student needs.
3. Prioritized Placement: Students are prioritized and placed based on identified needs.
4. Lottery: Remaining applicants are placed in a lottery system. The lottery system does not guarantee placement in your resident (home town) school. Remaining spots are filled via the lottery system.
5. Waitlist: We maintain an active waitlist to keep all classrooms at maximum enrollment throughout the school year.

How to Apply

To begin the process, please complete the Online Registration Form.

Important Note: When you begin, you will be assigned an application number. Please save this number; it allows you to return to and edit your registration if needed.

Required Documentation: Please have the following documents ready to upload during the registration process:

• Proof of Residency: A utility or tax bill (must show a physical address, not a P.O. Box).
• Official Birth Certificate
• Immunization Records: Official records as required by the Maine Department of Education.
• Custody Documentation: (If applicable)

Important Dates

• February 12: Applications officially open. Applications are due April 1, 2026!
• Early April: Administrative assistant, Ms. Anderson, will contact all families who applied to schedule screening appointments.
• April 9: Screening Date.
• Early May: Families notified of placement status.

Contact Us

If you have any questions regarding the Pre-K program or the application process, please contact:

Amanda Hersey, Assistant Superintendent
Phone: 207-729-9961 ext. 1014
Email: herseya@link75.org