My school district wouldn't test kids for gifted till 3rd grade for 4th grade placement. There was no "gifted" placement till 4th grade. They did give teachers the freedom to accommodate inside the classroom, and my sons school did create 'unofficial' gifted clusters in grades 2 & 3. The school also didn't test for LD's till 2nd grade.

Lots of luck to you. Just letting you know your district isn't the only one out there who won't test till the kids are older.