Free preschool is an invaluable resource most find easy to support. Maryland is leading the way by instituting expanded free pre-K for many families who live in the state. Many other states have also launched free pre-K programs or are in the process of doing so. Through a variety of quality learning experiences in pre-K, kids develop skills, knowledge, and behaviors essential to being successful in school and life.

About Pre-K for Your Kids in Maryland

Maryland offers state-funded pre-K programs for three- and four-year-old children. Pre-K helps all children, but Maryland’s free programs are specifically designated for families who are economically disadvantaged or homeless. Programs offer experiences in language and literacy, math, social foundations, science, social studies, fine arts, physical well-being, and motor development.

Free pre-K for all the state’s three- and four-year-olds in need has been a major focus for Maryland Governor Wes Moore. Requirements in the Bridge to Excellence in Public Schools Act say that local school systems should enroll all income-eligible three- and four-year-olds whose parents or guardians seek to enroll them. Maryland’s programs are administered through the Prekindergarten Expansion Grant. In 2023, almost 28,000 students were enrolled in free pre-K in Maryland.

Kids Need a Strong Start

Expanding access to preschool and pre-K gives all kids a stronger start. The Children’s Guild knows that any preschool education can substantially increase a child’s chances of thriving in school and life. Programs teach social skills through interactions, mentoring, and direct teaching—and often can shrink racial and economic education gaps in children’s development.

“Early learning programs play a crucial role in laying the foundation for a child’s future success. These programs provide essential cognitive, social, and emotional development opportunities that are fundamental for a child’s overall growth and readiness for formal education. Investing in quality early learning programs not only benefits individual children but also contributes to building a strong foundation for a more prosperous and equitable society.  For many years, this has been an unmanageable expense for families. Now, there are widely available and affordable programs that enhance equity to access and opportunity for all young learners,” says Jenny Livelli, M.Ed., President and CEO, The Children’s Guild.

Parents have access to many preschool programs in Maryland, including two provided by The Children’s Guild in College Park and Annapolis. Last year TCG was proud to educate 170 preschoolers.

“What sets The Children’s Guild preschool programs apart is their unique blend of innovative educational approaches and a nurturing environment. The dedicated and passionate staff genuinely care about each child’s individual growth and development. Their focus on personalized learning ensures that every child’s needs and interests are met, fostering a love for learning from an early age. The integration of project-based activities and hands-on experiences has been particularly beneficial, allowing our children to develop critical thinking skills and a deep appreciation for the world around them,” says Krissie Taylor, Preschool Director, The Children’s Guild.

How Does Pre-K Work?

Some pre-K programs run a half day; some are full day. Many run on the same calendar as your local school system.

Each session can have about 20 kids, with a state-certified early childhood teacher and a full-time assistant. They use Maryland College and Career-Ready Standards and the Maryland EXCELS Quality Rating & Improvement System. If operated by qualified vendors, programs also meet the highest levels of quality and follow a curriculum recommended by the Maryland State Department of Education.

Are You Eligible?

Find out! Maryland cities and counties have different eligibility requirements, rules, and regulations. Kids should be three or four years old by September 1 of the current school year for which they are enrolling. There are other qualifications, too, and you need to be able to document their age. Check with your school district, or see this list of Pre-K programs, sorted by city and county.

After initial enrollment of economically disadvantaged kids, local school systems may fill any remaining vacancies by enrolling kids who exhibit a lack of readiness in foundational skills, knowledge, and behaviors.

Start by registering your child at your neighborhood or local school system’s Board of Education by completing a registration packet. Your local Board of Education will notify you before the start of the school year if your child will be enrolled.

Preschool Through The Children’s Guild

TCG offers two preschools in Maryland. Monarch Academy Annapolis is free for qualified families and Anne Arundel County residents and offers education programs from pre-K three- and four-year-olds through fifth grade. Monarch Preschool College Park offers project-based learning pre-K for children ages 3-5, along with financial aid and paid tuition options.

Application information for Annapolis is here. Application information for College Park is here.

Set Your Kids Up Now for the Future

When analyzing the long-term effects of Maryland’s public pre-K programs, results show a positive effect on the participants’ school performance through elementary and middle school.

Principal Johnson is excited to share some fantastic updates about what Monarch Academy Annapolis has been working on around the school and some tips for students to keep their brains sharp throughout the Summer! Mr. Johnson will check in with students at least once weekly or every two weeks on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Don’t miss out!

July Gym Reveal

First, a big announcement! “In July, we’re going to show how awesome our new gym looks!”. We know many of our students are looking forward to seeing the improvements, it will be amazing. The new hardwood floors, scoreboards, and other enhancements will create an incredible space for all our physical activities and events.

Teachers’ Lounge Makeover

In the meantime, we are working to make our teachers’ lounge more comfortable and inviting. Our teachers work hard every day, and we want to ensure they have a pleasant space to relax, eat lunch, and recharge. “We are going to make sure it is much more comfortable for our teachers to eat lunch and have a great time in and take a break.” A cozy and welcoming lounge will make a big difference for them.

Classroom and Carpet Cleaning

Cleanliness is a top priority. We are thoroughly cleaning all the carpets and classrooms to ensure everything is spotless and ready for your return. A clean and tidy environment helps everyone feel good and ready to learn.

Outdoor Improvements

We haven’t forgotten about the outside of the school either. The playground is being cleaned and spruced up, along with the surrounding outdoor areas. We want the school grounds to be just as welcoming as the inside of the building.

Share Your Summer Adventures & Keep Learning!

Summer is a time for relaxation and enjoyment, but it’s also important to keep our minds sharp. But it is important to keep learning, Mr. Johnson said, “Let’s make sure we continue to keep all of the knowledge we learned this school year”. That’s why Mr. Johnson is here to remind you of a few key activities to keep your brain active and engaged during the summer months.

• Keep Reading! One of the best ways to maintain your learning is by diving into some good books. Reading not only helps improve your vocabulary and comprehension skills but also transports you to exciting new worlds and adventures. Whether it’s a thrilling mystery, an inspiring biography, or a fascinating science fiction story, make sure to set aside some time each day for reading.
• Practice Math Facts! Math is another area where consistent practice can make a huge difference. Spend a few minutes each day working on math facts to keep your skills sharp. This can be as simple as practicing multiplication tables, solving math puzzles, or playing math-related games.

We would love to hear about the exciting things you’re doing this summer. Whether it’s a new hobby, a fun trip, or just a relaxing day at the pool, share your summer adventures with us and tag @MonarchAcademyAnnapolis on Facebook and Instagram.

ANNAPOLIS, MD, October 31, 2022 –  The Anne Arundel County Public School District has announced the appointment of Mr. Shae Johnson as the new principal of The Children’s Guild Monarch Academy Annapolis (TCG MAA), an International Baccalaureate® (IB) Primary Years Programme World School serving students in pre-kindergarten to fifth grade. Mr. Johnson is an accomplished and energetic school administrator with 17+ years’ experience in both public and private, elementary, middle, and secondary schools providing outstanding leadership and a culture of value and integrity.  He will be the first principal of color since the school’s inception.

“We are thrilled that Anne Arundel County has appointed Shae to lead Monarch Academy Annapolis,” said Jenny Livelli, President and CEO of The Children’s Guild.  “We are confident in Shae’s abilities to implement effective strategy and programs, transform the school’s culture, and respond to the unique needs of every child, family and the entire community.  Shae is already showcasing his leadership ability as he was instrumental in the school’s new IB PYP designation.”

Most recently Shae Johnson had been Assistant Principal of Monarch Academy Annapolis, where he oversaw the implementation of academic curricula and data driven instructional decision making as well as co-managed the $8 million annual budget.  Prior to joining Monarch Academy, Shae was Vice Principal/Academic Facilitator of Imagine Lincoln Public Charter in Prince George’s County and Vice Principal of Imagine Hope Public Charter School, part of the District of Columbia Public Schools.  Shae began his career as a teacher in the Baltimore City Public School System.

“It is extremely exciting for me to have the chance to lead Monarch Academy Annapolis.  I am grateful to Anne Arundel County Public Schools for having the trust in me to be able to lead.  We have had a strong start to the 2022-23 school year, and excited to receive the  International Baccalaureate® (IB) Primary Years Programme World School designation, identifying us as a leading primary school in the region,” said Shae Johnson, Principal, Monarch Academy Annapolis.  “I grew up in Prince George’s County and have been an Anne Arundel County resident for more than 20 years. My children went to school here, so I am pleased both personally and professionally.  I am committed to Monarch Academy and the citizens of Annapolis to make sure that our teachers and administrators have the tools they need to be creative and grow and pass that energy onto the children in our school,” added Johnson.

In July 2022 The Children’s Guild Monarch Academy Annapolis received the official International Baccalaureate (IB) designation for the Primary Years Programme (PYP) World School.  IB World Schools share a common philosophy—a commitment to improve the teaching and learning of a diverse and inclusive community of students by delivering challenging, high-quality programs of international education that share a powerful vision.

Monarch Academy Annapolis is part of The Children’s Guild’s schools and programs which respond to the unique needs of every child, family, and community it serves. The organization is one of the largest providers of charter schools, special education, autism services, treatment foster care, and family mental and behavioral health services in the region.

Affiliates of The Children’s Guild include The Children’s Guild, Inc., Baltimore Campus, The Children’s Guild DC Public Charter School, The Children’s Guild – Prince George Campus, Monarch Academy Glen Burnie, Monarch Academy Global – Laurel, Monarch Academy Annapolis, The Outpatient Mental Health Clinic, Treatment Foster Care, The Children’s Guild- Transformation Academy, Monarch Preschool College Park, TranZed Academy for Working Students (TAWS), and TranZed Apprenticeships.  For more information, visit https://childrensguild.org/.