Family Connections
Grandparents, Aunts and Uncles Raising Their Grandchildren, Nieces and Nephews
Kinship Care
Service for Agencies, Schools and Community Groups
Upcoming events and group meetings
Connecting with other Families
INFORMATION FOR MAINE
EDUCATION
What do I need in order
to register a child in a new school 
system?
- birth certificate
- proof of legal guardianship
- immunization record
- past school records
The school will probably help you by requesting the past records from the child's last school. The school records may include the immunization records. You may also request immunization records from the child's parent or doctor's office.
What if I do not have legal
guardianship?
The general rule
is that a child attends school in the same school district where the parent
or legal guardian lives. Exceptions may be made by the superintendent
of schools if the superintendent determines it is in the child's best
interest because:
A) It is undesirable
and impractical to reside with the child's parent or there are other extenuating
circumstances and
B) The child is living in the school district for reasons
other than educational purposes.
For more information regarding this law, contact Maine Kids-Kin
Should I tell the teacher
about the child's situation?
Yes, partner with
the teacher to help the child's transition to be as smooth as possible.
Help the teacher to be sensitive to the child's situation. Let the teacher
know that you want to be kept informed of the child's progress.
What if I think my child
needs special education services because he is struggling at school?
You can request a
P.E.T. which stands for Pupil Evaluation Team. This means you will meet
with school staff to discuss how to determine whether your child needs
special services. If your child had special education services at a previous
school, the P.E.T. will set up services at the new school.
Where can I get more information
and help regarding special education?
Contact S.P.I.N.
(Special Needs Parent Information Network) at 
1-800-870-7746
or the Maine Department of Education, Special Education Office at 624-6650
or visit their website at www.state.me.us/education/speced/specserv.htm.
What if my child is having
behavior problems at school?
Behavioral problems
may be temporary due to adjustment, may be long term due to a serious
problem, or just a normal part of the child's development. If the behavior
problem is long term the child may need special education services. The
school is responsible for finding a way to help your child learn even
though the child's behavior is a challenge. Talk with the teacher and
school guidance counselor to develop a plan to help the child manage better.
What if my child is bringing
home work that I don't understand well enough to help him?
This is not unusual.
School has changed a lot. Talk to the teacher. The school may have a special
homework program or may offer other suggestions about how you can help
the child.
