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Head Start

2022 – 2023 Applications

The 2022 – 2023 Pre-Kindergarten and Head Start Common Applications now open!

Apply today!

The Pre-kindergarten programs provide high-quality early learning experiences to help children develop basic skills and concepts necessary for success in kindergarten. Acceptance in a Pre-Kindergarten/Head Start program is based on age, income, risk factors, and eligibility.

  • A child must be 3 years old on or before September 1, 2022 to apply for PreK 3 or Head
    Start 3.
  • A child must be 4 years old on or before September 1, 2022 to apply for PreK 4 or Head
    Start 4.

Parents/Guardians may contact their home school for guidance on registering a student for the current (2021 – 2022) school year.

For more information on Pre-Kindergarten and Head Start, please contact

Department of Equity, Engagement, and Early Access

(301) 475-5511, ext. 32136

Learn more about registration.

SMCPS Head Start - Overview

The SMCPS Head Start program provides services for children ages three through five and their families. Mrs. Andrea Owens is the coordinator for the St. Mary's County Schools Head Start Program. Mrs. Kelly Hall oversees this program in addition to our other early childhood development programs. We work together with our community partners to ensure that children are socially, emotionally, and physically ready to transition to Kindergarten.

Two Sites

Top Resources

ABOUT HEAD START

Our focus is to provide a learning environment that supports children’s growth in the following domains:

  • Language and literacy
  • Cognition and general knowledge
  • Physical development and health
  • Social and emotional development 

Head Start provides comprehensive services to enrolled low-income children and their families, which includes health, nutrition, social and other services determined to be necessary by family needs assessments.

MISSION

Head Start emphasizes the role of parents as their child’s first and most important teacher. The Head Start program builds relationships with families that support:

  • Family well-being and positive parent-child relationships
  • Families as learners and lifelong educators
  • Family engagement in transitions
  • Family connections to peers and community
  • Families as advocates and leaders

FUNDING

Head Start is a five-year grant federal program that promotes the school readiness of children ages three through five from low-income families by enhancing their cognitive, social and emotional development.