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Prekindergarten Programs in Howard County

Prekindergarten refers to any and all programs for children who are not yet in kindergarten.

A variety of prekindergarten programs and services are available in Howard County. Some are available only to eligible families, while others are open to all families.

Jump to: Free Pre-k Programs | Other Pre-K Programs | Referral Services

Free Programs for Eligible Families

The following prekindergarten programs are available at no cost to families who meet the eligibility requirements as outlined by the specific program. Please contact the program of interest directly or visit their website for more information.

HCPSS Pre-K Program

The HCPSS full-day prekindergarten program is taught by certified staff and supports early learning and school readiness. This program is available to eligible students in all attendance areas, but are only located at selected school sites. Students must be four years old on or before September 1 of the enrolling school year to be considered for fall enrollment and also meet the eligibility requirements set forth by the state.

Learn more about HCPSS Pre-K 

Community Action Council of Howard County – Early Childhood Education

Overview

The Community Action Council of Howard County’s Early Childhood Education program offers free full-day, full-year accredited prekindergarten to eligible families at five locations in Howard County:
  • Bauder Education Center at Long Reach
    8775 Cloupleap Court, Columbia, MD 21045
  • Dasher Green Head Start
    6680 Cradlerock Way, Columbia, MD 21045
  • Ellicott City Education Center
    8510 High Ridge Road, Ellicott City, MD 21043
  • Old Cedar Lane Education Center
    5451 Beaverkill Road, Columbia, MD 21044
  • The Children’s Learning Center at Howard Community College (CLC)
    5600 Dragon Place Columbia, MD 21044

For questions, call 410-313-6289. Learn more about Early Childhood Education.

Eligibility

  • Early Head Start:
    Serves children birth – 36 months
  • Head Start: Serves children ages 3-4
  • MSDE Pre-K: Serves children ages 4-5
    • Children must be three years old (or older) at the time of enrollment or be four by September 1 to enroll.

Families must qualify to enroll in this free program. Priority is given to:

  • Children in foster care.
  • Families experiencing homelessness.
  • Families receiving SNAP, TCA, or SSI.
  • Children receiving special education services.

Daniels Family Child Care & Pre-K Program

Overview

The Daniels Family Child Care & Pre-K program offers free full-day, full-year accredited prekindergarten to eligible families at the following location:

Daniels Family Child Care & Pre-K
10612 Harpoon Hill
Columbia, MD 21044

Eligibility

Children must be three or four years old by September 1 to enroll. Families must qualify to enroll in this free program and must provide their own transportation.

For questions, please contact Ruby Daniels:

Apply

For an application, please email hcpss_pk@hcpss.org with the subject: “Daniels Family Child Care & Pre-K Application”

Fairlane Family Child Care

Overview

The Fairlane Family Child Care program offers free full-day prekindergarten to eligible families at the following location:

Fairlane Family Child Care
1029 Thunderbird Dr
Woodbine, MD 21797

Eligibility

Children must be three or four years old by September 1 to enroll. Families must qualify to enroll in this free program and must provide their own transportation.

For questions, please contact Fairlane Family Child Care:

Apply

Parent(s)/guardian(s) of prospective students must submit a completed application, including verification of household members, household income, and income documentation. There are a limited number of slots available for enrollment.To apply, please contact Fairlane Family Child Care.

First Lutheran Preschool

Overview

The First Lutheran Preschool program offers free full-day prekindergarten to eligible families at the following location:

First Lutheran Preschool
3604 Chatham Road
Ellicott City, Maryland 21042

Eligibility

Children must be four years old by September 1 to enroll. Families must qualify to enroll in this free program and must provide their own transportation. Additional priority is given to families who have a Tier II household income and for whom English is not the primary spoken language.

For questions, please contact First Lutheran Preschool:

Apply

Parent(s)/guardian(s) of prospective First Lutheran Preschool students must submit a completed application, including verification of household members, household income, and income documentation to First Lutheran Preschool.

Miss Monica’s Family Child Care

Overview

Miss Monica’s Family Child Care program offers free full-day prekindergarten to eligible families at the following location:

Miss Monica’s Family Child Care
5770 Thunder Hill Rd
Columbia, MD 21045

Eligibility

Children must be three or four years old by September 1 to enroll. Families must qualify to enroll in this free program and must provide their own transportation.

For questions, please contact Miss Monica’s Family Child Care:

Apply

Parent(s)/guardian(s) of prospective students must submit a completed application, including verification of household members, household income, and income documentation. There are a limited number of slots available for enrollment. To apply, please contact Miss Monica’s Family Child Care.

Wincopia Home Montessori

Overview

The Wincopia Home Montessori program offers free full-day prekindergarten to eligible families at the following location:

Wincopia Home Montessori
9908 Loch Less Lane
Laurel, MD 20723

Eligibility

Children must be three by September 1 to enroll. Families must qualify to enroll in this free program and must provide their own transportation.

For questions, please contact Wincopia Home Montessori:

Apply

Parent(s)/guardian(s) of prospective students must submit a completed application, including verification of household members, household income, and income documentation. There are a limited number of slots available for enrollment. To apply, please contact Wincopia Home Montessori.

Other Pre-k Programs

If your family does not meet the eligibility criteria to qualify for the programs listed above, you may consider the options listed below.

Learning Together Program

The Learning Together Program (LTP) enables all young children to play with each other, develop long-term friendships, and benefit from a diverse and stimulating environment. A limited number of openings are available for children without disabilities. Children are selected based upon screening information given on the application form and space availability. If necessary, a lottery process is conducted.

Participation in the Learning Together Program requires a monthly fee and families are required to provide their own transportation daily.

Explore the Learning Together Program 

Approved Referral and Assistance Services

Families seeking additional prekindergarten options may consult the following resources:

  • Maryland Family Network’s LOCATE: Child Care is a free, referral service with detailed information on all regulated child care in Maryland. Trained referral specialists help families identify child care based on personal preferences including program type, location, and cost. Visit Maryland Family Network’s LOCATE website or call 1-877-261-0060.
  • LOCATE: Child Care Special Needs Service is a free service available to any family with a child (birth-21yrs) with a special need. Call 800.999.0120 or email specialneeds@marylandfamilynetwork.org. Service is available Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Messages can be left during non-business hours and LOCATE staff will return the call as soon as possible. For more details, visit LOCATE: Child Care Special Needs Service website.
  • The Child Care Scholarship (CCS) (formerly known as Child Care Subsidy) Program provides financial assistance with child care costs to eligible working families in Maryland. Apply for your child’s first scholarship today! Visit the CCS website for more information.
  • The Howard County CARE (Child and Adolescent Resources and Education) Center’s CARE Line is a free information and referral service for people who have questions about children in Howard County. CARE Center staff work with families to identify their needs and help find solutions. For assistance, call 410-313-CARE (410-313-2273) or email children@howardcountymd.gov. For more details, visit the CARE Line website.