Prekindergarten

The goal of the Prekindergarten program is to prepare children socially, emotionally, physically, and academically for kindergarten and beyond.
Pre-K3
(3-Year Old)
The Pre-K3 program offers a continuum of half-day and full-day options, available at the Early Learning Center (ELC), La Plata, Early Learning Center (ELC), Waldorf; the FB Gwynn Center; Mary H. Matula Elementary School; Mt. Hope/Nanjemoy Elementary School and William A. Diggs Elementary School.
Pre-K4
(4-Year Old)
The Pre-K4 program offers full day classes at all 23 elementary schools and the Early Learning Center, La Plata.
Catchment zone for the Early Learning Center, La Plata for school year 2025-2026
The following streets have been designated as the catchment zone for the Early Learning Center (ELC), La Plata. Please complete the online application for Prekindergarten. First priority will be given to applicants who meet the Tier 1 qualifications. Students will transfer to the school they are zoned for based on their home address for kindergarten.
- From Billingsley Elementary
- From Craik Elementary
- From Diggs Elementary
- From Gale-Bailey Elementary
- From Indian Head Elementary
- From J. C. Parks Elementary
- From Thornton Elementary
From Billingsley Elementary
8737-8890 Bancroft Dr
9162-9178 Beechdale Ct
7200-7810 Bensville Rd (Odd Street Numbers Only)
3540-3550 Bic Pic Pl
9255-9288 Biscayne St
3420-3465 Blakely St
9000-9036 Carthage Ct
3531-3591 Catskill St
3628-3684 Clairton St
8803-8819 Dement Ct
3469-3529 Halford St
9070-9106 Hanley Ct
9000-9300 Inglewood Ct
3401-3570 Linden Grove Dr
3300-3600 Marylea Ct
9110-9220 Maytide St
3474-3507 McKinley Ct
3348-3369 McKnight Ct
9242-9356 Rock Lynn Cir
9222-9245 Seminole St
3789-3806 Sonora Ct
3740-3800 Stafford Ct
9201-9238 Wainwright Ln
3700-3741 Wallingford Ct
8700-8800 Whittington St
8600-8750 Windon Ct
9163-9168 Winridge St
3410-3419 Yarnell Ct
From Craik Elementary
9100 - 9105 American Holly Ct
5300 - 5330 Bennett Brae Pl
5250 - 5275 Carmelite Dr
9150 - 9163 Cedar St
4905 - 5210 Deliverance Pl
5287 - 5293 Jennie Run Ln
9300 - 9330 Farewell Ct
5300 - 5328 Lily Ct
5504 - 5532 Little Brook Dr
9184 - 9262 Mimosa Dr
8600 - 9000 Mitchell Rd
9000 - 9295 Mitchell Rd
5650 - 5660 Mount Carmel Rd
9401 - 9459 Silver Oak Rd
5450 - 5463 Well Spring Ct
5404 - 5432 Well Spring Rd
From Diggs Elementary
3745 - 3770 Acquinsicke Pl
8950 - 8967 Armor Ct
4773 - 4801 Balmoral St
3305 - 4037 Baron St
4400 - 4425 Castleford Ct
4300 - 4344 Castletower Ct
4501 - 4543 Cavalier Ct
8830 - 8841 Chiswick Ct
3620 - 3625 Dutton Pl
4550 - 4562 Fortress Ct
8400 - 8453 Gauntlet Pl
8350 - 8366 Grovenor Ct
4200 - 4253 Jambeau Pl
7800 - 7885 King Arthur Ct
8300 - 8313 Kingsbench Ct
8446 - 8578 Kingsway Dr
8251 - 8322 Knighthood Pl
8105 - 8145 Knightsbridge St
3560 - 3584 Maintenance Pl
8801 - 8864 Marble Arch Ct
7905 - 8020 Monarch St
3850 - 3855 Newbury Pl
8870 - 8871 Notley Pl
8853 - 8881 Osterly Ct
8460 - 8493 Pattette Pl
3300 - 3700 Prince Edward Dr
4601 - 4743 Queens Grove St
8604 - 8665 Queensway Ct
8800 - 8817 Regent Ct
3800 - 3925 Saxton Ct
3922 - 3949 Shaftsbury Ct
8201 - 8233 Sir Michael Pl
4900 - 4904 Stockwell Pl
3880 - 3901 Stonegate Ct
3862 - 3871 Strattonburn Ct
3275 - 3291 Sutherland Ct
3295 - 3300 Totten Hollow Pl
7315 - 7454 Tottenham Dr
3265 - 3270 Troll Valley Pl
3240 - 3270 Truffle Glen Pl
4020 - 4025 Vargas Pl
8901 - 8949 Viceroy Ct
4400 - 4404 Viceroy Pl
8850 - 8854 Warburton Pl
3400 - 3550 White Horse Pl
4000 - 4193 Windsor Heights Pl
From Gale-Bailey Elementary
7790-7805 Andrews Ridge Pl
7631-7815 Ann Harbor Dr
7270-7280 Barnes Pl
6555-6645 Bitty Ln
7025-7060 Bixby Pl
8101-8105 Blue Tick Hound Way
6320-6335 Bluegrass Way
6720-6765 Boots Ln
7000-7050 Bragg Pl
7310-7335 Buck Mountain Pl
7350-7605 Burch Rd
6550-6570 Cardinal Dr
7615-7795 Carol Rd
6410-6480 Charla Pl
6500-6525 Coventry Ct
7945-8115 Deepwater View Dr
7950-8115 Deepwater View Pl
7322-7334 Emily Pl
7335-7405 Fabian Pl
6900-6949 Glasgow Ln
6825-6930 Graymar Ln
7670-7680 Guys Pl
6005-6105 Hannon Dr
6965-7105 Harley Davidson Pl
7905-7975 Harwood Ln
6945-6980 Haven Pl
6105-6275 Home Pl
7025-7050 Honey Oaks Pl
7445-7467 Howard Dr
7985-8005 Johns Pl
5872-5896 Joshua Pl
6850-6975 Julie Pl
7440-7445 Kay Dr
7577-7685 Knotting Hill
6755-6770 Kylandy Pl
7820-7858 Longmont Ct
7300-7349 Mary Dr
7055-7055 Miffen Pl
6245-6290 Mildred Pl
6351-6445 Nelson Dr
6726-6751 Newcastle Ct
7200-7212 Olivia Floyd Pl
6930-7200 Our Pl
7765-7795 Penn Manor Ct
7020-7172 Perfect Pl
7040-9995 Poorhouse Rd
8600-10000 Poorhouse Rd
7135-7160 Poorhouse Farm Dr
6850-6950 Pops Pl
7900-8064 Port Tobacco Rd
9180-9950 Port Tobacco Rd
7500-7525 Port Tobacco Hills Ct
8055-8065 Port View Pl
8065-8400 Port Tobacco Rd
7300-7400 Retreat Pl
6075-6795 Ripley Rd
8210-8240 Riviera Pl
7220-7278 Russell Croft Ct
7402-7650 Shirley Blvd
7538-7574 Silverthorne
7130-7820 Simms Landing Rd
8175-8205 Stuart Farm Pl
6300-6337 Teresa Ln
7970-8015 Terry
7930-7945 Thornton Ct
8070-8105 Tobacco View Ct
8010-8030 Tobacco View Pl
7100-7215 Umoja Pl
8105-8145 Vacchiano Dr
7710-7725 Walking Deer Pl
6201-6207 Wanda Pl
8200-8440 Wooddy Rd
7656-7855 Zachary Rd
From Indian Head Elementary
From J. C. Parks Elementary
7000 - 7600 Billingsley Rd
3300 - 3510 Catchpenny Pl
7050 - 7070 Daddys Pl
2955 - 3015 Downs Dr
2900 - 2966 Edgewood Rd
7400 - 7405 Elena Dr
7340 - 7387 Gabriel Dr
7265 - 7265 Indian Head Hwy
7305 - 7333 Judi Dr
2985 - 3205 Lewis Pl
3045 - 3065 Newman Spruell Pl
3100 - 3130 Offbeat Pl
2970 - 3014 Thomas Rd
From Thornton Elementary
9850 - 9950 Beech Ln
10105-10117 Bruns Avea
9601-9627 Charles Ct
4301-4355 Charles Crossing Dr
4600-4646 Coastal Blvd
5146-5269 Colebrook Dr
4740-4740 Crain Hwy
4585-4855 Crain Hwy (Odd Street Numbers Only)
2000-10225 Dogwood Dr
9750-9825 Elm Ln
9645-9880 Faith Baptist Church Rd
4376-4376 Fers Pl
4765-4815 Ford Ct
10205-10230 Ford Ter
4420-4420 Fox Tail Pl
10100-10400 Griffith Ln
4380-4384 Hackett Pl
4702-4727 Hickory Ct
9000-9775 Hickory Ln
9750-9760 Manchester Ct
9900-10100 Marshall Corner Rd
10101-10370 Marshall Corner Rd
1-4720 Oak St
4300-4575 Padgett Rd
10005-10065 Pages Ct
4515-4785 Pickeral St
10020-10048 Rhodes Dr
9901-9930 Rhodes Way
9555-9698 Sharon Ave
9690-9699 Shepherds Creek Pl
4760-4852 Smitty Cir
10355-10405 Smitty Dr
10405-10433 Smitty Way
4550-4575 Tate St
10150-10175 Tucker Ln
4360-4390 Valley Brook Pl
9850-9880 Wellhouse Dr
4401-4482 White Plains Ln
Additional Options for Prekindergarten
The Blueprint for Maryland’s Future requires the implementation of a mixed delivery system. CCPS has private provider partners allowing families a choice in prekindergarten programs through the mixed delivery system. Private provider partners follow the same application tiers and also require income verification documentation. Private provider partners have slots for 3-year-old and 4-year-old Prekindergarten students. If you are interested in a slot with one of the private provider partners, please contact the provider directly.
Application Process
Pre-K3
The CCPS Pre-K3 program builds a foundation for school readiness, both academically and socially, following the Maryland Early Learning Standards. Slots in Pre-K3 are very limited and placement is not guaranteed.
To apply for Pre-K3 a child must:
- be 3 years old on or before September 1st of the school year in which you are applying
- reside in Charles County
- meet income eligibility requirements
Income Eligibility Requirements
School Year 2026-2027
Pre-K3 applicants must meet the income eligibility of 185% of the Federal Poverty Level or below to apply for Pre-K3. This is the percentage used to qualify for Prekindergarten in COMAR. Please see the chart below for the income eligibility requirements. Applicants who have verified homeless or foster care status through the Charles County Public Schools Office of Student Services are also eligible to apply for Pre-K3. Income verification must be provided for all wage earners in the household. Gross (before tax) annual income for your entire household cannot be more than the limits shown below. Income eligibility must be verified with one of the following:
- Copy of current Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program- SNAP (formerly known as food stamps) approval letter listing date range the supplements are valid and household members.
- 3 recent, consecutive paystubs for each wage earner in the household.
- Completed, signed Tax Return for 2025.
- To verify homeless or foster care status, contact the Community Schools and McKinney Vento Coordinator at 301-934-7210.
| Pre-K3 Income Eligibility Guidelines ≤185% of the Federal Poverty Level |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| # of Household Members | Income Limit – Before Taxes | |||
| Weekly | Bi-Weekly | Monthly | Yearly | |
| 2 | $770 | $1,540 | $3,336 | $40,034 |
| 3 | $972 | $1,944 | $4,212 | $50,542 |
| 4 | $1,174 | $2,348 | $5,088 | $61,050 |
| 5 | $1,376 | $2,752 | $5,963 | $71,558 |
| 6 | $1,578 | $3,156 | $6,839 | $82,066 |
| 7 | $1,780 | $3,561 | $7,715 | $92,574 |
| 8 | $1,982 | $3,965 | $8,590 | $103,082 |
| For each additional family member, add | $202 | $404 | $876 | $10,508 |
| If your child will be 3 years old on or before September 1 and has a current, active Individualized Education Plan (IEP), they are also eligible for PreK. Directions on how to complete the PreK application will be shared at your child’s IEP meeting. | ||||
School Year 2025-2026
Prekindergarten Registration Document Checklist
This checklist is intended as a general guide and will apply to most registration situations; however, additional documentation may be required depending on individual circumstances.
Click here to download the checklist - English
Click here to download the checklist - Spanish
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Two Proofs of Domicile/Residency- Provide one document from each category*.
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Category 1- Provide one of the documents listed below.
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Deed.
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Verifiable lease or rental agreement (signed and dated).
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Current mortgage statement (dated within 45 days).
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Settlement papers (dated within 45 days and signed).
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Foster care placement letter / McKinney-Vento Homeless documentation.
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Assignment of Ownership Agreement (for co-op communities like Potomac Heights).
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Property tax bill or Maryland Department of Assessment & Taxation form.
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Category 2- Provide one of the documents listed below.
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Most recent utility bill in its entirety (within 45 days) that includes name and service address (examples are electric, water/sewer, trash, oil, gas, cable, security system, and solar bills).
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Current verification of service statement for above utilities.
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Current wage statement (within 45 days) with name and address of employee and employer.
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Most recent W2, 1098, or 1099 statement.
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One of the following government-issued statements with name and address (within 45 days): Documentation of benefits from the Social Security Administration, Documentation of benefits from the Department of Social Services, Official correspondence on letterhead mailed from local, state, or federal court.
*If you are unable to provide proofs of domicile/residency in your name, please visit the Proofs of Domicile/Residency page and review Special Situations. Select the option that applies and follow the directions.
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Proof of Age and Identity of Student- Provide one of the documents listed below.
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Birth Certificate.
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Passport/Visa.
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Physician’s Certificate.
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Baptismal or Church Certification.
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Hospital Certificate.
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Birth Registration.
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Proof of Identity of Person Enrolling Student- Provide one of the documents listed below
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Driver’s License
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Passport
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Other Legal Form of Identification
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Proof of Income for your entire household
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Copy of current Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-SNAP (formerly known as food stamps) or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) approval letter listing date range the supplements are valid and household members
OR -
Income documents for ALL adult members of your household
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Three recent, consecutive paystubs
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Completed, signed tax return for 2025
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Most recent W2
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Retirement Statement
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Social Security Benefits Statement
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-
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Immunization Record
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More information can be found on the CCPS website under Student Services/School Health Services/Immunizations Requirements and Health Forms and Important Links.
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Proof of Relationship to Student- Provide one of the documents listed below.
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Birth Certificate of student which identifies the parents.
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Court Order.
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Separation agreement or divorce decree.
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Other legal form of identification.
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How to apply
Gather your required documents.
Use the document checklist above.

Complete the Online Application.
The Pre-K3 application is open May 15-July 1.

Monitor the email account attached to your ParentVue account. This is how communications will be sent if additional information is needed for your application. Incomplete applications cannot be processed.

Enrollment Notice
Placement of eligible Tier I students typically occurs 2-3 weeks after the application and all required documents are submitted. Monitor the email attached to your ParentVue account for the enrollment notice.

If all Pre-K3 slots are filled, eligible students who applied by July 1 will be placed on a waitlist. If a slot becomes available, families will be notified via the email attached to their ParentVue account.

If accepted for a Pre-K slot, review the school supply list on the school’s website and monitor the CCBOE website for Meet and Greet events.

Frequently Asked Questions
- Are all county children entitled to attend Pre-K3?
- Do all schools have a Pre-K3 program?
- Is transportation provided for Pre-K3 students?
- Does the application have a closing date?
- What if my child does not get a slot in Pre-K3?
- Is the attendance policy the same as K-12?
- What documents are needed to apply for Pre-K3?
- What can I do if I do not have Proofs of Domicile in my name?
- What are the hours for Pre-K3?
Are all county children entitled to attend Pre-K3?
No. The Pre-K3 program is not mandatory. Admission for three-year-old students is not guaranteed, and slots are very limited. Charles County residents that meet the income eligibility requirements may apply before the application deadline. The household income must meet income eligibility requirements, 185% of the Federal Poverty Level or below.
Do all schools have a Pre-K3 program?
No. Slots for Pre-K3 are very limited. Pre-K3 programs are located within different regions of the county.
The Pre-K3 program offers a continuum of half-day and full-day options, available at the Early Learning Center (ELC), La Plata, Early Learning Center (ELC), Waldorf; the FB Gwynn Center; Mary H. Matula Elementary School; Mt. Hope/Nanjemoy Elementary School and William A. Diggs Elementary School.
Is transportation provided for Pre-K3 students?
Does the application have a closing date?
What if my child does not get a slot in Pre-K3?
Is the attendance policy the same as K-12?
Yes. Students in Pre-K3 are expected to follow the CCPS Attendance Policy.
What documents are needed to apply for Pre-K3?
What can I do if I do not have Proofs of Domicile in my name?
Please visit the Proofs of Domicile/Residency page and review Special Situations. Select the option that applies and follow the directions.
What are the hours for Pre-K3?
Pre-K4
The CCPS Pre-K4 program builds school readiness, both academically and socially, following the Maryland College and Career Readiness Standards for Prekindergarten.
To apply for Pre-K4 a child must be 4 years old on or before September 1st of the school year in which you are applying, reside in Charles County, and meet income eligibility requirements.
You must apply for Pre-K4 at the school you are zoned for based on your home address.
School Change requests are NOT accepted for Pre-K4. Click here to find your home zone school.
Income Application Tiers
Tier 1
- First priority in placement
- Household income 300% of Federal Poverty Level or below
- Current, active Individualized Education Program (IEP)
- McKinney Vento Education for Homeless Children and Youth(link)
- Foster Care (link)
Tier 2
- Waitlist
- Admission not guaranteed
- Household income between 301% and 600% of the Federal Poverty Level
Tier 3
- Waitlist
- Admission not guaranteed
- Household income above 600% of Federal Poverty Level
Detailed Description of the Federal Poverty Levels
School Year 2026-2027
Tier I
TIER I
You must meet the income guidelines listed below or have homeless or foster care status, or a current, active Individualized Education Plan (IEP) to qualify for Tier I. Income verification must be provided for all wage earners in the household. Gross (before tax) annual income for your entire household cannot be more than the limits shown below. Tier I status must be verified with one of the following:
- Copy of current Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-SNAP (formerly known as food stamps) or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) approval letter listing date range the supplements are valid and household members.
- Three recent, consecutive paystubs for each wage earner in the household.
- Completed, signed Tax Return for 2025.
- To verify homeless or foster care status, contact the Community Schools and McKinney Vento Coordinator at 301-934-7210.
| TIER I Income Guidelines <=300% of the Federal Poverty Level |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| # of Household Members | Income Limit – Before Taxes | |||
| Weekly | Bi-Weekly | Monthly | Yearly | |
| 2 | $1,248 | $2,497 | $5,410 | $64,920 |
| 3 | $1,576 | $3,152 | $6,830 | $81,960 |
| 4 | $1,904 | $3,808 | $8,250 | $99,000 |
| 5 | $2,232 | $4,463 | $9,670 | $116,040 |
| 6 | $2,559 | $5,118 | $11,090 | $133,080 |
| 7 | $2,887 | $5,774 | $12,510 | $150,120 |
| 8 | $3,215 | $6,429 | $13,930 | $167,160 |
| For each additional family member, add | $328 | $655 | $1,420 | $17,040 |
*If your child currently has an Individualized Education Plan (IEP), admission is guaranteed with verification of the current, active IEP. Please upload a copy of your child’s current, active IEP. You will also need to upload income verification as required by the state. |
||||
Tier II
TIER II
If your household gross income (before taxes) is over the limit for Tier I and is not more than the limits shown below, your application will qualify for Tier II. Admission under Tier II is not guaranteed. Income verification must be provided for all wage earners in the household. Tier II status must be verified with one of the following:
- Three recent, consecutive paystubs for each wage earner in the household.
- Completed, signed Tax Return for 2025.
| TIER II Income Guidelines 301-600% of the Federal Poverty Level |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| # of Household Members | Income Limit – Before Taxes | |||
| Weekly | Bi-Weekly | Monthly | Yearly | |
| 2 | $2,497 | $4,994 | $10,820 | $129,840 |
| 3 | $3,152 | $6,305 | $13,660 | $163,920 |
| 4 | $3,808 | $7,615 | $16,500 | $198,000 |
| 5 | $4,463 | $8,926 | $19,340 | $232,080 |
| 6 | $5,118 | $10,237 | $22,180 | $266,160 |
| 7 | $5,774 | $11,548 | $25,020 | $300,240 |
| 8 | $6,429 | $12,858 | $27,860 | $334,320 |
| For each additional family member, add | $655 | $1,311 | $2,840 | $34,080 |
Tier II applicants will be placed on a waiting list. Tier II applicants will only be placed if slots remain after all students eligible for Tier I have been placed. If slots remain, placement of Tier II students will not occur until after the beginning of the school year.
Tier II applicants will be placed on the waiting list in the following order:
- Child’s primary language is not English (verification required)
- Household income 301 -360% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) See chart
- Household income 361 – 420% of the FPL
- Household income 421 – 480% of the FPL
- Household income 481 – 540% of the FPL
- Household income 541 – 600% of the FPL
*In future school years, there may be a charge based on a sliding scale for a family share for Tier II students enrolled in Pre-K4 per the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future.
Tier III
TIER III
>600% of the Federal Poverty Level
If you do not meet the income guidelines for Tier I or Tier II, you will be placed on the Tier III waiting list. Placement of Tier III applicants is not guaranteed and very limited.
Tier III status must be verified with one of the following:
- Three recent, consecutive paystubs for each wage earner in the household.
- Completed, signed Tax Return for 2025.
Please be aware that Tier III students will only be placed if slots remain after all Tier I and Tier II students have been placed. If slots are available for Tier III applicants, you will be notified via email and placement will not occur until mid-late September, after the start of the school year.
Tier III applicants will be placed on the waiting list in the following order:
- Child’s primary language is not English (verification required).
- Birthdate order beginning with September birthdate.
School Year 2025-2026
Tier I
TIER I
You must meet the income guidelines listed below or have homeless or foster care status, or a current, active Individualized Education Plan (IEP) to qualify for Tier I. Income verification must be provided for all wage earners in the household. Gross (before tax) annual income for your entire household cannot be more than the limits shown below. Tier I status must be verified with one of the following:
- Copy of current Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-SNAP (formerly known as food stamps) or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) approval letter listing date range the supplements are valid and household members.
- Three recent, consecutive paystubs for each wage earner in the household.
- Completed, signed Tax Return for 2024.
- To verify homeless or foster care status, contact the Community Schools and McKinney Vento Coordinator at 301-934-7210.
| TIER I Income Guidelines <=300% of the Federal Poverty Level |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| # of Household Members | Income Limit – Before Taxes | |||
| Weekly | Bi-Weekly | Monthly | Yearly | |
| 2 | $1,179 | $2,358 | $5,110 | $61,320 |
| 3 | $1,489 | $2,979 | $6,455 | $77,460 |
| 4 | $1,800 | $3,600 | $7,800 | $93,600 |
| 5 | $2,110 | $4,220 | $9,145 | $109,740 |
| 6 | $2,420 | $4,841 | $10,490 | $125,880 |
| 7 | $2,731 | $5,462 | $11,835 | $142,020 |
| 8 | $3,041 | $6,083 | $13,180 | $158,160 |
| For each additional family member, add | $297 | $593 | $1,285 | $15,420 |
*If your child currently has an Individualized Education Plan (IEP), admission is guaranteed with verification of the current, active IEP. Please upload a copy of your child’s current, active IEP. You will also need to
|
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Tier II
TIER II
If your household gross income (before taxes) is over the limit for Tier I and is not more than the limits shown below, your application will qualify for Tier II. Admission under Tier II is not guaranteed. Income verification must be provided for all wage earners in the household. Tier II status must be verified with one of the following:
- Three recent, consecutive paystubs for each wage earner in the household.
- Completed, signed Tax Return for 2024.
| TIER II Income Guidelines 301-600% of the Federal Poverty Level |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| # of Household Members | Income Limit – Before Taxes | |||
| Weekly | Bi-Weekly | Monthly | Yearly | |
| 2 | $2,358 | $4,716 | $10,136 | $122,640 |
| 3 | $2,979 | $5,958 | $12,910 | $154,920 |
| 4 | $3,600 | $7,200 | $15,600 | $187,200 |
| 5 | $4,200 | $8,441 | $18,290 | $219,480 |
| 6 | $4,841 | $9,683 | $20,980 | $251,760 |
| 7 | $5,462 | $10,924 | $23,670 | $284,040 |
| 8 | $6,083 | $12,166 | $26,360 | $316,320 |
| For each additional family member, add | $593 | $1,186 | $2,570 | $30,840 |
Tier II applicants will be placed on a waiting list. Tier II applicants will only be placed if slots remain after all students eligible for Tier I have been placed. If slots remain, placement of Tier II students will not occur until after the beginning of the school year.
Tier II applicants will be placed on the waiting list in the following order:
- Child’s primary language is not English (verification required)
- Household income 301 -360% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) See chart
- Household income 361 – 420% of the FPL
- Household income 421 – 480% of the FPL
- Household income 481 – 540% of the FPL
- Household income 541 – 600% of the FPL
*Beginning in school year 2026-2027, there may be a charge based on a sliding scale for a family share for Tier II students enrolled in Pre-K4 per the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future.
Tier III
TIER III
>600% of the Federal Poverty Level
If you do not meet the income guidelines for Tier I or Tier II, you will be placed on the Tier III waiting list. Placement of Tier III applicants is not guaranteed and very limited.
Tier III status must be verified with one of the following:
- Three recent, consecutive paystubs for each wage earner in the household.
- Completed, signed Tax Return for 2024.
Please be aware that Tier III students will only be placed if slots remain after all Tier I and Tier II students have been placed. If slots are available for Tier III applicants, you will be notified via email and placement will not occur until mid-late September, after the start of the school year.
Tier III applicants will be placed on the waiting list in the following order:
- Child’s primary language is not English (verification required).
- Birthdate order beginning with September birthdate.
Prekindergarten Registration Document Checklist
This checklist is intended as a general guide and will apply to most registration situations; however, additional documentation may be required depending on individual circumstances.
Click here to download the checklist - English
Click here to download the checklist - Spanish
-
Two Proofs of Domicile/Residency- Provide one document from each category*.
-
Category 1- Provide one of the documents listed below.
-
Deed.
-
Verifiable lease or rental agreement (signed and dated).
-
Current mortgage statement (dated within 45 days).
-
Settlement papers (dated within 45 days and signed).
-
Foster care placement letter / McKinney-Vento Homeless documentation.
-
Assignment of Ownership Agreement (for co-op communities like Potomac Heights).
-
Property tax bill or Maryland Department of Assessment & Taxation form.
-
-
Category 2- Provide one of the documents listed below.
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Most recent utility bill in its entirety (within 45 days) that includes name and service address (examples are electric, water/sewer, trash, oil, gas, cable, security system, and solar bills).
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Current verification of service statement for above utilities.
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Current wage statement (within 45 days) with name and address of employee and employer.
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Most recent W2, 1098, or 1099 statement.
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One of the following government-issued statements with name and address (within 45 days): Documentation of benefits from the Social Security Administration, Documentation of benefits from the Department of Social Services, Official correspondence on letterhead mailed from local, state, or federal court.
*If you are unable to provide proofs of domicile/residency in your name, please visit the Proofs of Domicile/Residency page and review Special Situations. Select the option that applies and follow the directions.
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Proof of Age and Identity of Student- Provide one of the documents listed below.
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Birth Certificate.
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Passport/Visa.
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Physician’s Certificate.
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Baptismal or Church Certification.
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Hospital Certificate.
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Birth Registration.
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Proof of Identity of Person Enrolling Student- Provide one of the documents listed below
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Driver’s License
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Passport
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Other Legal Form of Identification
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Proof of Income for your entire household
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Copy of current Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-SNAP (formerly known as food stamps) or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) approval letter listing date range the supplements are valid and household members
OR -
Income documents for ALL adult members of your household
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Three recent, consecutive paystubs
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Completed, signed tax return for 2025
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Most recent W2
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Retirement Statement
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Social Security Benefits Statement
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Immunization Record
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More information can be found on the CCPS website under Student Services/School Health Services/Immunizations Requirements and Health Forms and Important Links.
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Proof of Relationship to Student- Provide one of the documents listed below.
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Birth Certificate of student which identifies the parents.
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Court Order.
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Separation agreement or divorce decree.
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Other legal form of identification.
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How to apply
Gather your required documents.
Use the document checklist above.

Complete the Online Application.
The Pre-K4 application is open April 15.

Monitor the email account attached to your ParentVue account. This is how communications will be sent if additional information is needed for your application. Incomplete applications cannot be processed.

Enrollment Notice
Placement of eligible Tier I students typically occurs 2-3 weeks after the application and all required documents are submitted. Monitor the email attached to your ParentVue account for the enrollment notice.

If slots remain after all eligible Tier I students have been placed, students from the Tier II waitlist will be placed in mid-September. Placement of Tier II applicants is not guaranteed. When space allows, Tier III applicants may be considered for enrollment in late September, but placement is not guaranteed.

If accepted for a Pre-K slot, review the school supply list on the school’s website and monitor the CCBOE website for Meet and Greet events.

Frequently Asked Questions
- Are all county children entitled to attend Pre-K4?
- Do all schools have a Pre-K4 program?
- Is transportation provided for Pre-K4 students?
- What are the hours for Pre-K4?
- If my child attended a CCPS Pre-K3 program, do I need to re-apply to Pre-K4?
- What if my child is not accepted for a slot in Pre-K4 from the Tier II or Tier III waitlist?
- What documents are needed to apply for Pre-K4?
- What can I do if I do not have Proofs of Domicile in my name?
Are all county children entitled to attend Pre-K4?
No. The Pre-K4 program is neither mandatory nor guaranteed. In accordance with the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, first priority is given to students whose families meet the income eligibility for Tier I, are homeless or are in foster care, or have a current, active IEP. All Tier I students are admitted after verification. Tier II and Tier III students may be placed if slots exist after all Tier I students are placed. Placements of Tier II and Tire III applicants is not guaranteed.
Do all schools have a Pre-K4 program?
Is transportation provided for Pre-K4 students?
Yes, in most cases. Prekindergarten students ride the bus to and from school with other students from their school. If you qualify for Tier I and the Pre-K4 program at your home zone school is full at the time your child is accepted, you will be offered an out-of-zone placement at a different school for the Pre-K4 school year only. Transportation may be available.
What are the hours for Pre-K4?
If my child attended a CCPS Pre-K3 program, do I need to re-apply to Pre-K4?
Yes. Students enrolled in a CCPS Pre-K3 program need to re-apply for Pre-K4 for the following school year. Per the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, CCPS must collect income verification for each Prekindergarten year, to determine eligibility for the program based on the income eligibility requirements and application tiers.
All students receiving special education services in Pre-K3 through an IEP are required to re-enroll for the Pre-K4 school year. All required registration documents must be submitted including updated income verification documentation.
What if my child is not accepted for a slot in Pre-K4 from the Tier II or Tier III waitlist?
Enrollment in Pre-K4 is not mandatory and placement is not guaranteed. Mandatory schooling begins in the kindergarten year. To enroll in kindergarten, a child must be 5 years old by September 1st of the year in which they are enrolling. If your child is not enrolled in a CCPS Pre-K4 program you will need to complete the online registration for Kindergarten the following school year. Online Registration for kindergarten opens in mid-April for the following school year.
What documents are needed to apply for Pre-K4?
What can I do if I do not have Proofs of Domicile in my name?
Please visit the Proofs of Domicile/Residency page and review Special Situations. Select the option that applies and follow the directions.
For questions about Prekindergarten, please contact:
Mrs. Beth Sorsby, M.Ed, NBCT
Coordinator of Early Childhood Programs
earlychildhood@ccboe.com

