Applying for Early Admission to Pre-K
Pre-K early admission is based on need
The HCPSS Pre-K program is provided, per Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) regulations, to any child who meets first priority criteria (income eligible, homelessness, and foster care). This eligibility is based on information submitted on the HCPSS Pre-K Early Admission application and the supporting documentation that is provided. Students must also demonstrate a need for early intervention as defined by at-risk developmental factors that critically impact potential success in kindergarten (Howard County Board of Education Policy 9000-Student Residency, Eligibility, Enrollment and Assignment). Requirements
Age: Fourth birthday falls between September 2 and October 13. Students born on or after October 14 are not eligible for early admission under any circumstances.
NOTE: Families of children who will be 4 by September 1 do not need to go through the early admission process and can apply for pre-K.
Eligibility: The student meets first priority criteria (income eligible, homelessness, and foster care)
At-Risk Development Factors: As stated in Howard County Board of EducationPolicy 9000 Student Residency, Eligibility, Enrollment and Assignment, children accepted for early admission to HCPSS Pre-K must demonstrate a need for early intervention as defined by at-risk developmental factors that critically impact potential success in kindergarten.
Early admission does not guarantee that the child will be promoted to the next grade. Decisions regarding continuation in Pre-K for a second year OR promotion of early admitted Pre-K students to kindergarten are based on performance during the Pre-K year.
Pre-K admission is determined by HCPSS’ Office of Early Childhood Programs and Office of Early Intervention Services.
Application Timeline
Step 1: Submit Application (April 1 – June 30)
Parents/guardians must submit an online application to determine if the student meets first priority criteria.
Due to the volume of inquiries and application submissions, please allow up to 14 business days from the time of submission for application processing. Please note, processing times may be longer based on the volume of inquiries and applications received. For faster processing, please ensure that ALL sections of your application are complete and that all required documentation is included with your application submission. Applications that are not complete or missing documents cannot be processed and will be returned. Applications will be processed in the order in which they are received.
Step 2: Ages & Stages Questionnaire
Families who meet the eligibility criteria will be asked to submit an Ages & Stages Questionnaire to the HCPSS Office of Early Childhood Programs. The Ages & Stages Questionnaire will be sent to you if you are deemed eligible for Pre-K.
Step 3: Early Admission Decision (by July 30)
Following a comprehensive review of your application and supporting documents, the Office of Early Childhood Programs will determine if the student qualifies for HCPSS Pre-K. This assessment is based on income eligibility and a demonstrated need for early intervention.
Notification Process
A formal decision letter (acceptance or denial) will be sent via U.S. Mail. Notifications will be mailed no later than July 30. The letter will detail whether the student qualifies based on educational need and will provide specific instructions for your next steps.
Placement & Availability
Eligible students may have to wait for placement, which is dependent upon available space at the start of the school year.
If accepted, parents/guardians register children at their assigned school. Find out more about student registration.
If denied, parents/guardians may appeal decision of early admission.
Appeals may be sent via:- Email to ea_appeals@hcpss.org, attn: Division of Schools, Directors of Elementary Schools; or,
U.S. Mail to the following address:
Division of Schools
Howard County Public School System
10910 Clarksville Pike Ellicott City, MD 21042
Attn: Directors of Schools
Contact Us
For additional questions, please contact early_admission@hcpss.org