Bill > H454

This bill proposes changes to the General Laws concerning school attendance, specifically amending Section 1B of chapter 69. The key provision is that the board will create regulations to define the mandatory ages for school attendance, including both the youngest and oldest ages a child can attend. These regulations will mandate that every child attend an approved kindergarten program, which can be in a public school, private school, or a licensed community-based program overseen by the department of early education and care. Furthermore, the regulations will outline guidelines for kindergarten completion and establish a process for school districts and Commonwealth charter schools to grant exemptions for advanced students to start first grade early. The bill also requires these regulations to address suitable alternative education programs or settings for individuals who are older than the maximum attendance age and have not yet earned a high school diploma or its equivalent.