Prekindergarten is a state-funded program for 4 year-old children who come from families with disadvantaged backgrounds or who are homeless. The overall goal of prekindergarten is to provide learning experiences to help children develop and maintain the basic skills necessary for successful school performance. The program's goal is being achieved by providing appropriate experiences that address the literacy, cognitive, social, emotional, and physical needs of young children.

According to COMAR 13A.06.02.03, eligibility for enrollment in prekindergarten is extended to 4 year-old children who are from families with disadvantaged backgrounds or who are homeless. Beginning in 2007-2008, local boards of education must have completed expansion of their prekindergarten programs in order to accommodate all eligible 4 year-old children seeking enrollment.

Register your child at your neighborhood school or at your local school system's Board of Education by completing the registration packet during the registration period. The local Board of Education will notify you in writing before the start of the school year if your child will be enrolled in the program.

Yes. According to COMAR 13A.06.02.03B., if all vacancies have not been filled by children meeting the eligibility criteria, a local school system may enroll 4 year-old children who are not from families with economically disadvantaged backgrounds but who represent a student population that exhibits a lack of readiness in personal and social development, language and literacy, mathematical thinking, scientific thinking, social studies, the arts, or physical development and health.