Head Start/Pre Kindergarten

Head Start health services are an important part of the overall Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services (MCDHHS) School Health Services (SHS) program and Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) Prekindergarten & Head Start programs.

Head Start is a federally mandated program for pre-school children from financially eligible families. The mission of the program is to promote school readiness by enhancing the social and cognitive development of children through education, health, nutrition, social and other services to enrolled children and their families. Parent participation in the program is emphasized and they are helped to gain a fuller understanding of the health, social, emotional and educational needs of their children.

Health services staff, both full-time and part-time, include the nurse manager/nurse administrator, income assistant program specialist (IAPS), Head Start School Community Health Nurses (SCHNs), Head Start School Health Room Technicians (SHRTs) and dental hygienists. The school based SCHNs and SHRTs support these specialized staff at each local school.

Staff provide:

• Nursing case management
• Vision and hearing screenings
• Follow-up on routine immunizations
• Assistance with the insurance application process for uninsured students

Good oral health is supported through:

• Dental screenings
• Daily tooth brushing
• Application of fluoride varnish
• Oral hygiene education
• Referrals for treatment and case management. 

The Head Start School Health Services' goal is to maintain children at their best health so they can get the most benefit from their educational experience.

MCPS Registration and Enrollment Information

Entrance into a Prekindergarten and Head Start programs is determined by age, income, and residency. Children who will be 3 years old or 4 years old by September 1 can apply for our programs.

Walk-in applications are accepted Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at
Rocking Horse Road Center, 4910 Macon Road, Room 143, Rockville, Maryland 20852
Appointments are available if preferred.  Call 240-740-4530 for an appointment.

MCPS Registration and Enrollment Information: https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/dtecps/earlychildhood/prek/