Early Childhood Programs and Services → Prekindergarten Information

Prekindergarten & Head Start

About Prekindergarten and Head Start

MCPS Prekindergarten and Head Start programs offer a high-quality educational experience to income-eligible children in order to prepare them with the foundational knowledge and skills necessary for school success in kindergarten and beyond. There are 104 Prekindergarten classes and 35 Head Start classes throughout the county.

Registration for MCPS Prekindergarten and Head Start Programs

Registration for Prekindergarten and Head Start classes for the 2012-2013 school year will begin on March 1, 2012.

Applications are accepted at Rocking Horse Road Center, 4910 Macon Road, Room 141 Rockville, MD 20852.

How to register 

Are the programs all-day or half day?

Most Head Start class sessions are 3 hours and 15 minutes long. A full-day Head Start program is offered in select Title I elementary school locations. Prekindergarten class sessions are 2 hours and 30 minutes long.

For families that qualify, there are a limited number of spaces available in two community-based full-day, full-year programs in childcare centers.

Where are the programs located?

Prekindergarten and Head Start programs are located in 64 elementary schools in Montgomery County. Once children are registered, they will be assigned to a school location.

What are the components of the program?

  • Cognitively stimulating curriculum with a strong emphasis on literacy and mathematics
  • Age-appropriate science, social studies, art, music, technology and physical education experiences
  • Attention to the whole child, including his/her social, emotional, and physical/motor development
  • Family involvement including regular communication as well as opportunities and encouragement for parents to be engaged in their children's education
  • Health, dental, nutrition, and family support services provided

Guides

Prekindergarten/Head Start: What Parents Need to Know | En Español
This guide provides a program overview and other important information for parents of children enrolled in the prekindergarten and Head Start programs.

Community Resource Guide | En Español  

This guide provides descriptions and contact information for a variety of community resources available to preschool age children and their families.

Program Calendar | En Español
The calendar includes the program schedule and important dates for families of children enrolled in the prekindergarten and Head Start programs.