DTECPS → Prekindergarten Information

Prekindergarten & Head Start

Prekindergarten/Head Start offices remain closed for walk-in registration. Please register online. Go to the blue box below that says "How to Register" and click on "MCPS Registration Survey" to begin your application. 

de Prekindergarten/Head Start en Rocking Horse Road Center estan  cerradas.  Por favor, mire abajo en el rectangulo azul "How to Register/Cómo Matricular" y haga click en "MCPS Registration Survey" para empezar su solicitud.

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 113 Prekindergarten classes and 34 Head Start classes throughout the county.

Additionally, a Prekindergarten Pilot program at seven Title I schools offers a full-day prekindergarten class to 160 children; children must be 4 years old by September 1, 2021 and families must meet income guidelines, slightly higher than regular prekindergarten guidelines.

Vea un video en español acerca del programa

  • Registration for the 2021-2022 school year is now open online.
  • Please complete the registration survey to begin your application.

How to register/Cómo Matricular

Applications for Prekindergarten and Head Start Programs are being accepted online. Please click the link to begin the application process. Once you are in the survey, please choose Prekindergarten/Head Start (current year) as your option--even if you are applying for next fall.

Se aceptan aplicaciones para Prekindergarten/Head Start en linea. Favor de cliquear abajo para comenzar su inscripción. Cuando está en la encuesta, favor de marcar Prekindergarten/Head Start (current year) igual si quiere ahora o el próximo año.

MCPS Registration Survey

Common Questions

Are the programs all-day or half day?

Seven Head Start class sessions are 3 hours and 15 minutes long. Twenty-seven full-day Head Start classes are offered in select schools. Prekindergarten class sessions are 2 hours and 30 minutes long. This school year, 24 Prekindergarten classes in select schools will offer a full day.

Where are the programs located?

Prekindergarten and Head Start programs are located in 65 elementary schools in Montgomery County. Once children are registered, they will be assigned to a school location.

Parents may request MCPS transportation services. Bus privileges may be terminated if parents do not meet the bus on time three times. Also, unsafe behavior on the bus may result in termination of bus privileges.

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

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