DTECPS → 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 111 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, 2019 and families must meet income guidelines, slightly higher than regular prekindergarten guidelines.

 Vea un video en español acerca del programa

Applications are accepted at

     Rocking Horse Road Center
     4910 Macon Road, Room 143
     Rockville, MD 20852

Registration for the 2019-2020 school year begins March 1, 2019.

Registration for the 2018-2019 school year continues through May 2019

 How to register 

 2018-2019 PreK/Head Start Calendar-English | En Español | አማርኛ | 中文  | français | 한국어 | tiếng Việt

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

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, 16 Prekindergarten classes in select schools will offer a full day.

Where are the programs located?

Prekindergarten and Head Start programs are located in 62 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

Guides

 Prekindergarten/Head Start: What Parents Need to Know | En Español |  አማርኛ  |  中文  |  français  |  한국어  |  tiếng Việt  

 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.