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Early Childhood Programs

HCPSS provides high quality early childhood education that is rigorous yet developmentally appropriate. HCPSS also supports and promotes school readiness by focusing on families of, and community programs that work with, children ages birth to five.

Early Learning Resources (Birth-5)

Parents are a child’s first and most important teacher. There are many things a parent or caregiver can do, starting at birth, to help their child. There are numerous resources available to support families as they create everyday learning opportunities for children, which will ultimately ensure that the children are prepared to succeed in school and later life.

View resources, quick facts and figures, and educational opportunities for:

Students Birth to Age 3

Students Ages 3-5

View guidelines for prekindergarten (RECC and pre-K programs) Late Opening/Early Dismissals

Have a child from ages birth-5? Learn more about our Launch into Learning initiative →

Prekindergarten

HCPSS Pre-kindergarten programming includes a range of supports based on either economic or developmental needs.

  • Regional Early Childhood Center (RECC) – Our special education preschool programs serve children three and four years of age who have a disability or developmental delay. Learn more about HCPSS Early Intervention Programs and Services →
  • Pre-K – Child must be four years old on or before September 1st. The Maryland State Department of Education requires that the pre-K program be made available first to students who meet first priority criteria: income eligible, homelessness and foster care. Learn more about HCPSS pre-K programs →
  • Talbott Springs Preschool Program – This half-day (2.5 hour) program serves eligible three-year-old children who live in the Talbott Springs and Stevens Forest attendance areas. The program, which runs four days a week, is co-taught by certified staff, including both general and special educators.

Kindergarten

Children must be 5 years old by September 1 in order to enroll in kindergarten. Every child who is 5 years old by September 1 must be enrolled in a kindergarten program or have an approved waiver.

Find out more about preparing and registering for kindergarten →