The path to academic success and lifelong learning often begins long before kindergarten. Research has proven that children who participate in early childhood programs strengthen important academic skills while also learning how to share, cooperate, and take on new challenges with confidence. These experiences help prepare them for a smooth start to kindergarten and beyond.
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| Quality early education gives all children a stronger starting point, regardless of background. Families interested in the RSU 14 Pre-K program are encouraged to apply through the lottery, which opened Feb. 1 and closes on April 1. SUBMITTED PHOTO |
Families interested in the RSU 14 Pre-K program are encouraged to apply through the lottery, which opened on Feb. 1 and closes on April 1, 2026. Children must be 4 years old by Oct. 15, 2026, and not yet of kindergarten age, and they must live in Windham or Raymond. Proof of residency is required. To complete the application process, families must submit the Pre-K Lottery Application Form and register online through Infinite Campus by April 1, 2026. Application links and detailed instructions can be found on the RSU 14 website at rsu14.org.
RSU 14 Assistant Superintendent Christine Frost-Bertinet reminds families that they have to provide the school with their child’s most recent immunization records.
“Families will want to review the district’s Immunization of Students Policy, JLCB in order to understand State of Maine requirements surrounding immunizations,” she said. “We know there can be a lot of information to review, so our district is here to help families with any questions about immunization requirements.”
Frost-Bertinet says that Windham and Raymond families will have the opportunity to identify any of the Pre-K programs as preferred locations during the lottery application process, regardless of where the family resides.
“We will do our best to place families in their 1st, 2nd, or 3rd preferred location, but this is not always possible due to spacing constraints,” she said. “In the event a Windham family is placed at Raymond Elementary School, the district will provide transportation from a centralized pick-up/drop-off location.”
The locations and spaces available include the following:
Placement locations
● Windham Primary School
○ 16 spaces
● A Child’s World
○ 26 spaces
● Space to Thrive
○ 16 spaces
● Little Log Cabin Montessori
○ 12 spaces
● Raymond Elementary School
○ 48 spaces
● Tu Casa
○ 10 spaces
By working with community partners such as those listed above, this school/community mixed delivery system can better provide high-quality, affordable Pre-K options for local families.
“This system allows us to offer a variety of program models to meet the diverse needs of our youngest learners,” Frost-Bertinet said. “By partnering with local providers, we can strengthen the entire community’s focus on early childhood education. We are always eager to work with other community partners who wish to get involved.”
Later this spring, there will be Pre-K Screening. Raymond families will attend screening at Raymond Elementary School (regardless of Pre-K placement) and Windham families will attend screening at Windham Primary School (regardless of Pre-K placement). The screening appointments will be communicated by the building principals.
To prepare for screening day, it is advised to dress your child in comfortable clothes and sneakers. The details of the day will include the following stations:
● Welcome Station (family check-in upon arrival)
● Block/Book Station (for children who are waiting to be screened)
● Motor Station
● Concepts Station
● Speech/Language Station
● Vision Screening Station
● Hearing Screening Station
● Height / Weight Station
● Nurse Consultation Station (as needed)
● Parent Questionnaire Station (opportunity for families to provide information)
“By participating in the screening, families help us ensure each child gets the best possible start in school.” Frost-Bertinet said.
With RSU14’s early childhood education services, families in Windham and Raymond have access to the resources needed to give their children the best possible start in life.
“Quality early education gives all children a stronger starting point, regardless of background.” Bertinet-Frost said.
For further information or questions, Frost-Bertinet encouraged families to contact Julie Raymond, the Early Childhood Education Coordinator for the district by emailing [email protected] or calling 207-655-8672, ext. 2715.
If an interpreter is needed for screening, please contact Kim Dubay at the central office by calling 207-892-1800, ext. 2014. <
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