Application opens today for free full‑day pre‑K; district outlines eligibility, slots and new federal/state rules

Saint Mary's County Public Schools said the online application for the 2025–26 free, full‑day pre‑K program went live at 12:00 p.m. on April 9, 2025. District officials reviewed eligibility, enrollment procedures and supports for families during an information presentation to the Board of Education.

District presenters said all county pre‑K classrooms already meet Maryland accreditation requirements and that pre‑K in the county serves 4‑year‑olds in full‑day classrooms staffed by a licensed teacher and credentialed paraeducators. The county follows the Maryland Early Learning Standards and uses Frog Street and Heggerty curricula for foundational literacy.

Officials described how eligibility and prioritization will work under state rules (COMAR) and the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future: the district will prioritize income‑eligible families up to 300% of the federal poverty level (FPL). For the 2025–26 application only, students with a verified individualized education program (IEP) or verified multilingual learners (home language survey) may qualify up to 600% of FPL. District staff said income verification is required for all applicants and that families must upload proof of birth, residency and income as part of the application. The district will place children at their home school when possible; when a home site lacks space, children may attend a “buddy school” and the district said it will provide transportation whenever possible.

District staff demonstrated a new interactive federal‑poverty calculator provided by MSDE that allows parents to enter household size and income and see whether they are Tier 1 (eligible), Tier 2 or Tier 3 (wait list). Presenters said the district will not charge an over‑income family share this year and will instead place non‑eligible families on wait lists. The district also said paper applications (English and Spanish) will be available at schools, libraries, pediatrician offices and social‑service locations for families without internet access.

Timeline explained by district staff: the application is open from April 9 through July (heavy period for outreach), by mid‑May the offices and schools will be ready to notify families of tier status, the first day of school orientation is in August (Wednesday, date noted), and bus service begins August 21. The district said after October 1 it will begin placing wait‑listed students into available seats if space opens during the school year.

Board members and public commenters praised the clarity of the online calculator and the district’s outreach plans. The presentation was informational; no board vote was required.