Navigating Early Learning: A Guide to Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten Enrollment
Enrolling your child in early learning programs like pre-kindergarten and kindergarten is a significant step. This article provides essential information regarding the enrollment process, eligibility requirements, and necessary documentation, drawing upon guidelines and procedures to offer a comprehensive overview.
Kindergarten Enrollment: Age Requirements and Key Dates
Children must be 5 years old by September 1 to enroll in kindergarten. For example, parents/guardians of children who will be 5 years old by September 1, 2026, must enroll their children in kindergarten for the 2026-2027 school year.
Pre-Kindergarten Programs: Access and Eligibility
HCPSS (Howard County Public School System) offers high-quality, half- or full-day pre-k programs at selected sites. Students must be four years old on or before September 1 to be considered for the program. The availability of pre-kindergarten programs provides an opportunity for early learning experiences.
Registration Process: Online Enrollment and Required Documents
To register your child, complete the online registration. While completing the online registration form, you can also upload the required documents. After completing the registration process online, a staff member from your child’s school will contact you to schedule an appointment to complete your child’s enrollment.
Before you can begin the online registration process for the pre-k program, please make sure that you have completed the HCPSS Pre-K Application. Pre-K Applications for the 2026-2027 school year will be available on Monday, March 9, 2026. Families accepted into the HCPSS Pre-K program will receive an official acceptance letter. This letter is a required piece of the online registration process and should also be used as a point of reference when making pre-k program selections throughout the online registration process.
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Having all your documentation prepared in advance of registration will keep the process moving quickly. Here's a list of commonly required documents:
- Proof of parental relationship, custody, or guardianship.
- An immunization form is required for students who have never attended a Maryland Public School, including Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten.
Residency Verification
Parents must live in the attendance area of the school where they plan to enroll their student. If there is cause to suspect the student/family is not living at the address they have presented, verification may be required. This may also be required annually if the student is enrolled through a Multiple Family Determination (MFD) and the parent/guardian does not have a lease or deed in their name.
Transfer Procedures for Students Moving
Moving over the summer? Find and contact your child’s upcoming school to begin the transfer process. Moving during the school year? Every family has the option to complete the current school year at the school in which they are presently enrolled or to transfer to the school associated with their new address.
Child Care Scholarship Program
Starting May 1, 2025, the Child Care Scholarship (CCS) Program will temporarily stop issuing scholarships to new families. To determine eligibility, applicants must be:
- Willing to provide proof that each child needing child care is a citizen of the United States or a qualified alien.
- Willing to provide proof of identity for all members within the household composition.
- Willing to provide a Photo I.D.
To apply for the Child Care Scholarship:
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- Step 1: Go to the Child Care Scholarship Family Portal and create an account. Click on “Register for a New Account” and enter your information.
If you are eligible, a temporary, 60-day Scholarship will be issued to assist with the cost of child care while we process your full application. We will ask for additional information and documentation to see if you are eligible for a 52-week Scholarship. To complete the application you MUST send in the information listed for all household members. This includes you, and your spouse or your child’s other parent living in your household. This information includes:
- Proof of identity (i.e.
- Proof of approved activity (i.e.
- Proof of address (i.e.
CCS Central 2 processes Child Care Scholarship applications and Provider Payments. The Child Care Scholarship Program has established a timely appeal and resolution process for any payment inaccuracies or disputes.
Special Enrollment Scenarios
Navigating the enrollment process can be more complex in certain situations:
- ELD Centers/Secondary ML (Multilingual Learners): Students may need to attend a school other than their zoned school to receive support with their English.
- Magnet Schools: Students must apply and be accepted in order to attend a magnet school.
- Special Education: Students with an IEP and who require the needs of a special school, must initially be enrolled in the zoned school.
- Special Enrollments: Students do not live with a biological parent/legal guardian OR their parent/legal guardian is not a homeowner or leaseholder of the enrolling address.
Regulations for Family Child Care Providers
[101] Record of Pre-Service Training for Family Child Care: Prior to becoming registered, Family Child Care providers are required to complete a minimum of 4 clock hours of approved training in each of the 6 Core of Knowledge areas in addition to other mandated training.
[1209] Change in Facilities (LFCCH / CTR / LOC): Child Care Center regulations (COMAR 13A.16.03.07) and Letter of Compliance regulations (COMAR 13A.17.03.07) require that any changes in operation be approved by the Office of Child care (OCC). Examples include capacity, hours of operation, rooms used for care, and ages of children served.
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