Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) has begun the registration period for both the Head Start pre-kindergarten program and the MCPS pre-kindergarten program for income-eligible children who will be four years old by October 31, 2003. There also are a limited number of openings for three-year-old Head Start eligible children born in 2000.

In addition, limited Head Start full-day/full-year, three- and four-year-old openings are available for children whose parents receive Working Parents Assistance or Purchase of Care. In addition to preschool education, Head Start provides a comprehensive family program including health, social services, and parent involvement opportunities. Free lunch and transportation are provided.

The scheduled registration opportunities run through June 7, 2003, and the Rocking Horse Road Center at 4910 Macon Road in Rockville will continue to accept registrations throughout the summer months.

Pre-Kindergarten Registration Sites and Schedules

Rocking Horse Road Center
March 21, 2003
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

East County Community Center
March 27, 2003
9:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Martin Luther King Swim Center at
Jackson Road
April 4, 2003
9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Long Branch Community Center
April 11, 2003
9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Long Branch Community Center
“School Readiness Fair”
May 2, 2003
9:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Upper County Community Center (p.m.)
May 8, 2003
2:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Upper County Community Center (p.m.)
May 15, 2003
2:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Rocking Horse Road Center (p.m.)
May 22, 2003
4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Lincoln Park Community Center
May 30, 2003
9:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Rocking Horse Road Center
June 7, 2003 (Saturday)
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

All pre-kindergarten registrations require the following documents:

· Total combined household income verification [2002 W-2 and 1040 statements with one current pay stub; if not available, then three (3) current paycheck stubs, or notarized letters from employers for each job and each person employed, and additional sources of income including child support, Temporary Cash Assistance, rental income, etc.]

· Acceptable proofs of Montgomery County residency. If homeowner, copy of current property tax bill. If renter, copy of current (less than one year old) lease. If lease is more than one year old, copy of lease and a current utility bill. If living in shared housing, notarized MCPS Form 335-74: Shared Housing Disclosure and either a copy of the current property tax bill of homeowner, or copy of lease of renter with whom student and parent are living.

· U.S. birth certificate or U.S. passport. Children who are not citizens of the U.S. must first register with the International Student Admissions Office. Call 301-230-0686 for an appointment.

· Child’s Social Security Card and photo identification of the parent/guardian.

· You also must provide the name, address, and telephone number of your child care provider.

For further information contact:
Head Start/Pre-Kindergarten Unit
301-230-0676