Frequently Asked Questions

All Pre-K programs run for a minimum of 35 weeks, 5 days a week, Monday-Friday. RSU 1 school based sites follow the RSU 1 calendar.  Partner sites also follow the RSU 1 school calendar, although their first day of school/last day of school may vary.

All of the CHOICES partners are located in RSU1, have applied to be CHOICES partners, and meet the standards of quality required by the Maine Department of Education.

The funding for the CHOICES program is a combination of local and state funds.

YES. Since the frequency of attendance significantly affects outcomes we expect that children will be present each morning. We understand that due to illness and family circumstances children may be absent at times but regular attendance is expected. Statistically, students with good attendance in Pre-K continue that trend through upper-years of education.

No. RSU1 will not be providing transportation for PreK students.

Please make sure that you will be able to get your child to and from whatever program you indicate as a choice.

No. We accept all children where they are in the process and will provide an individual plan for progress towards toileting.

Wrap around care is a term that is used to describe childcare before and/or after the CHOICES program that is available in the same location. The benefit of wrap-around care for families is that your child will not have to transition to another provider during the day. As of now only the Bath YMCA site is providing wrap-around care.

Yes. The cost may vary among program sites. You will need to arrange this with the program director of agency providing the care.

This varies among partner sites and should be discussed with individual providers.

Pre-K students at Phippsburg Elementary School, Dike-Newell School, and Woolwich Central School can participate in the school breakfast program. Free and Reduced meals are available for qualifying families at these schools. Bath Head Start provides children with breakfast and lunch that follow CACFP guidelines. The Bath Area Family YMCA follows the CACFP guidelines and serves breakfast. Afternoon snacks may be provided for children that use wrap-around care.

Once your child has been accepted for a CHOICES opportunity you will need to complete RSU1 enrollment requires that includes a Residency Verification Form, Health Questionnaire, Physical Exam Form, Immunization Record, and request for Birth Certificate. This information will come from your program's assigned school secretary.

Families who are selected for the YMCA and Head Start will need to complete the registration materials specific to that site in addition to the RSU1 enrollment requirements. 

Contact C.H.O.I.C.E.S. Coordinator, Kim Burgess at kburgess@rsu1.org