Howard County Pre-K Question

[Anonymous]

This question is for parents, whose children will not make the age cut off for kindergarten for the 2026 2027 school year because their kids birthday is at the end of October and beyond. Well, I understand that Howard County has a pre-K for program, my understanding is that you must be turning for before September 1, or by September 1 for the year that the child will be eligible to enroll. We have our son in private school at the moment, but we definitely want to move to Howard County and make him a part of the public school community. He wouldn’t be eligible for this pre-K program because he won’t be turning four until late, October. Fast forward to next year, he would not be eligible for the pre-K4 program for 2026-2027, because he’d be turning five at the end of October. Because he’s turning five at the end of October, he would not be eligible for their kindergarten program until the 20 27–2028 school year. For parents who find themselves in this loop, what have you been doing for kindergarten readiness? Is there another program within the public school system for kids who fall into this category? Just trying to think of all the different options as we prepare to move into Howard County. Thanks in advance or any answers you can provide.

[Anonymous]

I am confused why your child won’t be eligible in 2026. They will be 4 on Sept 1, 2026 and thus meet the eligibility requirement.

Does your child meet any of the criteria for priority? If not they are likely to be waitlisted and not get in.

[Anonymous]

Prek gives priority to low income and non English speaking homes so keep that in mind. If that does not work any prek 4 program should work fine. There will be many older 4s. Some have a jrK program specially for older 4s too.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am confused why your child won’t be eligible in 2026. They will be 4 on Sept 1, 2026 and thus meet the eligibility requirement.

Does your child meet any of the criteria for priority? If not they are likely to be waitlisted and not get in.

Thanks for this post because I was late to believe by someone that maybe he would not be eligible. I posted this question just in case that person was right. In my head, he would be eligible. I’m looking at their pre-K For program as well as any other transition programs available that would make my son kindergarten ready. He’s currently at a Montessori school now and I wanna make sure that he makes the transition to kindergarten in public school as smoothly as possible.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Prek gives priority to low income and non English speaking homes so keep that in mind. If that does not work any prek 4 program should work fine. There will be many older 4s. Some have a jrK program specially for older 4s too.

Thanks for your response. I appreciate it. I kind of got that feeling when I looked at the website for the school district. I am curious though when you talk about Junior K program. Do you know where one would find that? Would that be more like a transition K program? My son is still three. He’s not even four yet, but just trying to think ahead as we figure out what life will be in the next year or so.

[Anonymous]

As for the pre-K program, there are people whose kids don’t meet the age cut off for that year for kindergarten and they’ve applied. It’s just a matter of space availability once those who meet the criteria are selected. But as far as Junior kindergarten and transitional K programs go, research what’s in your area and you should hopefully find something to start your search.

[Anonymous]

Have you considered the Early Admission Testing option ?

https://www.hcpss.org/enroll/early-admission/

[Anonymous]

Are you happy with Montessori? Why not look for a Montessori program in Howard County?

[Anonymous]

Maybe a good private preschool? Look for one that teaches numbers, colors, letters, and Phonics. That way DC will be ready to learn at K.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am confused why your child won’t be eligible in 2026. They will be 4 on Sept 1, 2026 and thus meet the eligibility requirement.

Does your child meet any of the criteria for priority? If not they are likely to be waitlisted and not get in.

Thanks for this post because I was late to believe by someone that maybe he would not be eligible. I posted this question just in case that person was right. In my head, he would be eligible. I’m looking at their pre-K For program as well as any other transition programs available that would make my son kindergarten ready. He’s currently at a Montessori school now and I wanna make sure that he makes the transition to kindergarten in public school as smoothly as possible.

Montessori is optimal for kids age 2-5. We kept our kids in Montessori for K. They missed nothing and learned so much. When they got to 1st they were at the top of the class.