Statewide Assessment. Each school year, each local school system shall administer a Department-approved kindergarten readiness assessment to all incoming kindergarten students that: Is racially and culturally unbiased; Is administered with the purpose for educators to develop a holistic picture of each child’s readiness for kindergarten and ensure that schools and communities are ready to support a child’s development in all areas; and May include an evaluation of: Language and literacy skills; Academic knowledge in mathematics, science, and social studies; Physical development; and Social development. The Department-approved kindergarten readiness assessment is a diagnostic assessment for educators to develop a Except as provided in §A(4) of this regulation, the Department-approved kindergarten readiness assessment may not be administered to an enrolled prekindergarten student. The kindergarten readiness assessment may be administered to an enrolled prekindergarten student by a school psychologist or other school-based professional who intends to use the results of the kindergarten readiness assessment as one of several measures for early detection of learning challenges or to make a referral under COMAR 13A.05.01. Assessment Process. Each local school system shall complete the administration of the Department-approved kindergarten readiness assessment no later than October 10 of each school year. A local school system may administer: A portion of the assessment to students in the local school system during the summer months before kindergarten begins; and The remaining portion of the assessment on or before October 10 of the school year. The Department shall return to the local school system the aggregate results of the assessment within 45 days after the administration of the assessment. Consultation with Teachers. Before administering the Department-approved kindergarten readiness assessment, the local school system shall consult with kindergarten teachers, including teachers nominated by the exclusive bargaining representative, in determining how to implement the assessment.