County Early Childhood Programs Gear Up for the New Year

Though Hurricane Irene backed up timing a few days, it’s back-to-school time for all students across the Broadneck peninsula and most are returning to what they have come to know as a routine school day. But for some parents and young children, school is a totally new experience.

Anne Arundel County Public Schools offers an early childhood program that provides instructional services to not only kindergarten but pre-kindergarten students as well.

Kindergarten

Kindergarten teachers have been busily reading notes from preschools where their new students have previously attended and been meeting with their pupils’ parents, gathering special and valuable input so that the teacher can adequately know the child’s true promise and challenges.

“The parent and teacher conferences are so important,” said  kindergarten teacher Melody Moore. “It is nice for teachers to put names with faces, and I think it really puts parents at ease when they meet the teacher one on one and see the classroom.”

Arnold parent Melanie Price agreed. “My kids are all so different,” she said before the conference for her youngest child began last week. “I want the teacher to know the individual things that will help make my child more comfortable and successful this year.”

After the conference days, county kindergarten students are now experiencing their first school days in staggered schedules, with small groups of the class coming on different days to allow teachers to meet the needs of all of their excited and anxious young students.

Pre-Kindergarten

A half-day or full-day pre-kindergarten program for four years olds five days a week is also offered in some county elementary schools.

A non-mandated program funded by the state, pre-kindergarten opportunities are offered based on the economic need of the student and other Maryland State Department of Education criteria.

Anne Arundel County residents from any attendance area may apply to any prekindergarten site, with the exception of Hilltop Elementary. Children must be four years old on or before September 1 to apply. Enrollment is limited because of funding, and some schools may have waiting lists. Transportation is provided to those students residing in the prekindergarten schools’ attendance area.

Early Childhood Intervention

There are 16 elementary schools throughout the county that have an Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) class for children will moderate and severe developmental delays. The goal of an ECI program is to provide intensive instruction in relatively small classes with a special education teacher, teacher assistant and speech language pathologist. 

The program is 2.5 hours per day and children can attend for as little as two half days per week or as many as five half days. Sessions are held in the morning and afternoon.

Working together, the parents and educators determine the amount of time that is needed to achieve developmental goals through an Individual Educational Program (IEP).  

We're doing our best to move our students toward independence and prepare them for Kindergarten," explained Meredith Holmes, ECI teacher at . "Special care is taken in the design of the activities to incorporate the goals of each individual student."

Bus transportation is provided to and from school for ECI students. Many schools with an ECI class also have a pre-K class that provides valuable peer interaction. 

To Belvedere Elementary School principal Susan Errichiello, it is a privilege to host the ECI program for the Broadneck area.

“ECI is a fabulous beginning for our youngest learners,” said Errichiello.  “It is such a joy watching them make that growth each year. I feel lucky to participate in the process, and I thank parents for entrusting their children to us.” 

Child Development Labs for Preschoolers

As part of the high school Child Development Program in Anne Arundel County, three and four year olds may participate in a part-time preschool educational program where high school students interested in a future educational career provide various activities and lessons.

Held in each of the 12 county high schools, the program is under the supervision of a certified teacher

Check with your local high school for information about how to apply, fees, and schedules.