DTECPS → Prekindergarten Information

Prekindergarten & Head Start

As schools remain closed due to COVID-19, Prekindergarten/Head Start offices at Rocking Horse Road Center remain closed.  Please go to the blue box below that says "How to Register" and click on "MCPS Registration Survey" to begin your application. 

Las escuelas permanecen cerradas por el COVID-19 y las oficinas de Prekindergarten/Head Start en Rocking Horse Road Center estan  cerradas.  Por favor, mire abajo en el rectangulo azul "How to Register/Como Matricular" y haga click en "MCPS Registration Survey" para empeza 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 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, 2020 and families must meet income guidelines, slightly higher than regular prekindergarten guidelines.

Vea un video en español acerca del programa

  • Registration for the 2019-2020 current school year will continue through May 1, 2020.
  • Registration for the 2020-2021 school year begins March 2, 2020.

How to register/Como Matricular

Applications for Prekindergarten and Head Start Programs are currently being accepted during the COVID-19 school closure. Please click the link to begin the application process.

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, 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