The Board of Education has requested community comment regarding its revised Policy JEB, Early Entrance to Prekindergarten, Kindergarten, and First Grade, which reflects current understanding of the long-term effects of early education and considers the unique needs of students.

Maryland State Regulation, COMAR 13A.08.01.02, Age for School Attendance, prescribes that local boards of education are required to adopt a regulation that governs early admission to prekindergarten, kindergarten, and first grade. The scope of the Board policy, formerly called Early Entrance to First Grade, has been broadened also to include early admission to prekindergarten and kindergarten.

Individuals who wish to provide comments should respond in writing by December 13, 2005. All responses should be sent to the Office of the Superintendent of Schools, 850 Hungerford Drive, Rockville, Maryland 20850. The responses will be shared with the Board of Education.