Montgomery County Public Schools Preschool Programs Overview

1. Montgomery County Public SchoolsPreschool Programs Overview • Prekindergarten and Head Start Program • Preschool Special Education Programs (PEP) • Preschool Language (Services) Programs

2. Prekindergarten and Head Start Program Early learning programs that provide scientifically-based research approach that is designed to promote cognitive, physical, social, and emotional development. Teaching teams consist of a certified teacher, and a paraeducator, and use an interdisciplinary, whole-child approach with an emphasis on language, literacy, and mathematics. All children participate in art, music, physical education, field trips, home visits, and parental support, and outreach activities. Free transportation is provided. Children with identified ESOL needs are provided with additional support services. Some children with identified disabilities are also served in this programs. Prekindergarten and Head Start programs use the same MCPS curriculum and instructional program, but vary in length, due to federal Head Start requirements. Both programs operate 5 days a week, and include approximately 20 students per class. Classes are located in all Title I schools, and others as well.

3. Prekindergarten And Head Start Program (cont’d) Prekindergarten class 2.5 hours Head Start class 3.25 hours 10 Full Day Head Start classes that follow full-day school schedule Are mandated to serve all (FARMS) income eligible 4 year old children who request a prekindergarten experience, under The Bridge to Excellence in Public Schools Act of 2002.A small amount of three year old children are also served. • FARMS Prek eligible approximately $38, 000 for family of 4 • Head Start federal poverty eligible approximately $20,000 for family of 4 Per COMAR, may also enroll some children who are also at risk for school readiness if space permits, and all income eligible are served. (ELL’s, IEP, and or unusual home and family circumstances.)

4. Prekindergarten And Head Start Program (cont’d) • Total Number of Preschoolers served 2553 • 1885 are served served in Prekindergarten classes • 618 are served MCPS Head Start classes, of which 260 are in full-day Head Start classes *30 are served in Head Start Community based programs under Head Start grantee Community Action Agency

5. PEP Programs Provides a variety of preschool literacy –based educational and support services for children with disabilities , ages 3 to 5. Children qualify for all types of PEP services under the Individuals with Disabilities Act. (IDEA) PEP services address the same early learning skills fostered in the MCPS prekindergarten classrooms, and also include art and music, with mandated services such as: speech, occupational and/or physical therapy, and parental involvement. Wherever possible, classes are taught collaboratively with MCPS Prekindergarten classes. Services range from itinerant in community preschools to five hours per day of intensive, low- ratio classroom programming, for children with multiple severe disabilities. .

6. Prekindergarten Language Services Provide targeted instruction to remediate communication impairments, facilitate the development of compensatory skills, and enhance the development of language, vocabulary, and expressive communication skills for children ages 3 to 5. Children served in these classes have diagnosed communication delays/disabilities that impact their ability to learn. The intensity of need determines the extent of speech/language intervention, ranging from itinerant services in MCPS, to a 2 day-per- week, 2.5 hour per day classroom program, or a 5 day per week , 2.5 hour per day classroom program. Wherever possible, classes are taught collaboratively with MCPS prekindergarten classes. Children enrolled in prekindergarten language classroom programs participate in physical development, art, and music.

7. Prekindergarten Programs serving children with sensory disabilities, autism, or physical disabilities • Students usually require more specialized instruction and programming, including daily programs ranging from 2.5 to 6 hours daily. Mandated related services such as speech, occupational, and or physical therapy, and parent involvement are included as required. • Classroom instruction address the special needs of the child, while supporting the same early learning goals as the Prekindergarten and Head Start program. Children participate in physical education, art, and music, and wherever possible, classes are taught with MCPS prekindergarten classes.

8. PEP Summary of Children Served • Approximately 1,821 preschoolers with disabilities, (ages 3 through 5) received Special Education services through MCPS. • TOTAL # PEP students (all classes and itinerant services) 828 • TOTAL # PEP 4 year old students transitioning to kindergarten 329 TOTAL # of children with PEP itinerant service in community preschools 62 • TOTAL # PEP 4 years olds with itinerant services, educated 39 in community preschool programs • TOTAL Prekindergarten Language Classes (ages 3 and 4) 90 • Prekindergarten Itinerant Speech and Language Needs Only 1200