About the Pre-Kindergarten Program Curriculum

Our Pre-K program uses Maryland's Early Learning Standards and College and Career Readiness Standards to provide a content-rich, research-based curriculum that builds confident, skilled early learners.

Daily instruction covers seven key areas of development: Language & Literacy, Mathematics, Social Foundations, Science, Social Studies, Fine Arts, and Physical Well-Being & Motor Development.

The program currently uses the Frog Street curriculum to guide both academic learning and social-emotional development. Built into each day are Conscious Discipline activities that help young children develop self-awareness, respect for others, and healthy relationships.

Pre-K Registration & Enrollment Information

Allegany County Public Schools follows state regulations under COMAR and Maryland's Blueprint for the Future legislation to determine Pre-K eligibility. We are currently expanding full-day program options across the county. Each elementary school offers half-day programs, full-day programs, or both. We encourage all interested families to apply!

Age Requirements

Pre-K 3: Child must turn 3 on or before September 1
Pre-K 4: Child must turn 4 on or before September 1

Eligibility

Tier I (Priority Enrollment) — 4-year-olds:

Half-Day: Family income at or below 185% of the Federal Poverty Level
Full-Day: Family income at or below 300% of the Federal Poverty Level

Additional Tier I considerations include children who lack stable housing, are enrolled in Special Education (with an IEP or IFSP), or are in foster care.

Tier II: Children from families whose income exceeds Tier I guidelines may still apply and will be placed on a wait list.

Transportation

Pre-K 4 Full-Day: Bus transportation provided following in-district schedules
Pre-K 4 Half-Day: Morning or afternoon bus transportation provided; mid-day pickup/drop-off is not available
Pre-K 3 Half-Day: No bus transportation provided

Enrollment Notifications

Tier I families will be notified by June 30
Wait list families will be notified after Labor Day

Out-of-District Requests Information about out-of-district enrollment is provided at registration through your home school. These requests are considered only after all in-district applications have been processed.

Westmar Early Learning Center

What is it?

The Westmar Early Learning Center, which opened in the Fall of 2022 at Westmar Middle School, serves as a hub for services to benefit young children and their families. The Center offers the following programs for the George’s Creek and Westernport communities:

ACPS

Pre-K 3 (3 year olds) Classroom—2 half day sessions

Pre-K 4 (4 year olds) Classroom—2 full day programs

Pre-K 4 Classroom-1 half day if needed based on registration

Pre-K Partners Classroom (3 and 4 year olds with special needs)

A Judy Center
Sensory Room
Infants and Toddlers Office

Head Start

Early Head Start Classroom—toddlers
Head Start Classroom—1 half day session for 3 and 4 year olds

Where is it?

The early learning classrooms and offices are housed in sections of Westmar Middle School, a convenient location for both communities.

How do I register my child?

For the ACPS programs, follow the procedures outlined for school registration. Contact the WELC at Westmar (301) 463-5751, when registration dates are announced to set up an appointment to bring documents and complete registration. See the ACPS website for details. Although all George’s Creek and Westernport pre-k programs are housed in the Westmar Early Learning Center at Westmar Middle School, students will be designated as belonging to their in-district school