The Montgomery County Public Schools' Head Start and Extended Elementary Education (EEEP) programs are recruiting eligible children who will be four years old by December 31, 2000 for these two preschool programs. These half-day classes will begin in September 2000.

In addition, limited Head Start full-day/full-year programs, as well as programs for three year old children, are available for parents receiving Working Parents Assistance (WPA) or Purchase of Care (POC).

Head Start and EEEP registration will take place at the following locations and times:

Rocking Horse Road Center

3-8-00

9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Long Branch Community Center

3-14-00

10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Rocking Horse Road Center

3-17-00

9:00 a.m. 4:00 p.m.

Upper County Community Center

4-7-00

10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Long Branch Community Center

4-11-00

10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Upper County Community Center

4-14-00

10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Rocking Horse Road Center

6-2-00

1:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Head Start provides a comprehensive family program including preschool education, health and social services, and parent involvement for low income families, including children with disabilities. A free lunch and transportation are provided. EEEP provides preschool education to children who live within the attendance area of an EEEP school and who meet one of the Maryland state-mandated criteria listed below:

Limited English Proficient (LEP)

Homeless

Prior Participation in a Head Start of Even Start program.

Families applying for out-of-area EEEP placements can obtain applications from the Head Start office. Students will be assigned when space is available with consideration based on the following criteria:

Referral from other MCPS units and other early intervention programs

Emergency and health situations

Home and family circumstances.

Families registering for Head Start or EEEP should bring the following documents:

Proof of income (W-2 and 1040 statements with one current pay stub)Two proofs of residency (lease, deed, or property tax bill, and a current utility bill)

Birth certificate

Parent's and child's Social Security identification numbers

Photo identification of the parent.

Information about child care for working parents also will be available at the registration sites. For additional information about Head Start and EEEP, contact:

Head Start Unit, Montgomery County Public Schools Tel.: 301-230-0676