Laws, Regulations, and Guidance

• MGL 603 CMR 8.00: Kindergartens: Minimum School Age

• Student Learning Time
  • Student Learning Time — Regulations Guide
  • Time & Learning Questions & Answers — Kindergarten Section

Full-Day Kindergarten Information

Below you will find information about lottery policies and guidance on tuition and related tuition policies. For more detailed information please see this document:

• Tuition and Lottery Policies

Lottery Policy:

State law does not require school districts to conduct a lottery for admission to full-day K. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education previously required the use of a lottery as a requirement for a grant program, which is no longer funded; an admissions lottery for oversubscribed programs continues to be a recommended best practice. In conducting admissions, districts must reserve sufficient spaces for students with disabilities. Districts must also admit students consistent with the non-discrimination provisions of G.L. c. 76, § 5 ("No person shall be excluded from or discriminated against in admission to a public school of any town, or in obtaining the advantages, privileges and courses of study of such public school on account of race, color, sex, gender identity, religion, national origin or sexual orientation.").

Sample Lottery and Tuition Policies:

• Sample Tuition and Lottery Policies

• Sample Sliding Fee Scale Policies — District Worksheet and Sample

To update the Sliding Fee Scale income categories, please use the SMI Income Eligibility document found on the Department of Early Education and Care Financial Assistance website.

Last Updated: October 16, 2019