Kindergarten orientation, a day to introduce parents and first-time students to school, will take place this year from April 1 through May 22. Orientation is open to parents and their children who will be starting kindergarten in Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) in the 2009–10 school year. Children who will be 5 years old on or before September 1, 2009, can enroll in kindergarten.

Parents are asked to register children for next year's kindergarten on the date scheduled for the elementary school that serves their neighborhood.

During orientation, parents and students will meet the school principal and teachers. There will be fun activities for children and an opportunity for parents to ask questions about the school's procedures and programs.

Parents who are not certain which elementary school serves their area should call the MCPS Boundaries Office at 240-314-4710 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. For more information about the kindergarten program, call the Division of Early Childhood Programs and Services at 301-230-0691.

Children who will turn five years old between Sept. 2 and Oct. 15, 2009, are eligible for consideration for the early entrance to kindergarten process. Parents who seek early entrance consideration for their children should ask about it at their home schools.

The MCPS Parent Academy is offering a free parent workshop on getting your child ready for kindergarten. It will be held May 4 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Rosemont Middle School. Rosemont is located at 16400 Alden Avenue in Gaithersburg.