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School division to offer paid preschool slots to staff children in rebranded preschool program
Summary
Caroline County Public Schools will allow staff children who do not otherwise qualify for preschool to enroll in peer‑modeling preschool classrooms in 2025–26 for a $550 annual fee, the administration told the board.
Caroline County Public Schools presented a plan to rebrand its preschool program and offer a new staff benefit: the option for children of staff who do not meet standard eligibility to enroll in selected peer‑modeling classroom slots for a nominal fee.
What was proposed: The district will rebrand VPI, Head Start, Title I and ECSE classrooms under a single “preschool” umbrella and create a continuum of services. In the rebranded model, ECSE classrooms will serve as peer‑modeling classrooms that pair typically developing children with children who have disabilities so they can serve as social and educational models, the presenters said.
Staff benefit details: The division said it can accommodate nine staff children for the 2025–26 school year in peer‑modeling classes across elementary schools without adding classrooms or hiring additional staff. The district will charge an annual fee of $550 per child to cover items not eligible for grant funds (Frog Street home backpacks, snacks, field trips and materials). The fee may be paid in two installments. Staff were asked to indicate interest by April 30.
Eligibility and logistics: To be eligible for peer‑modeling classes a child must turn 3 or 4 by Sept. 30, 2025, be able to dress/feed/toilet independently, follow directions and interact with peers. Staff members will be responsible for daily transportation and regular attendance. Presenters said the division will use its single point of entry enrollment process (ChildPlus) and work with family engagement coordinators at the children’s home schools.
Board and community context: Board members and staff described the benefit as a potential retention and recruitment tool and welcomed the modest fee. One board member noted the value for single parents who can keep a child enrolled at the school where they work without changing schedules.
What the district did not promise: Administrators said the program will be implemented “at no additional cost to the school division” for 2025–26 because slots are being filled within existing classrooms. The district did not claim expansion beyond the initial nine staff children but said it would review additional requests over the summer if space allows.
