9 HCPSS Pre-Kindergarten Programs Achieve State Accreditation

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — Nine full-day pre-kindergarten programs with the Howard County Public School System achieved Maryland Accreditation during the 2023-2024 school year. Three additional HCPSS pre-K programs had previously achieved accreditation.

Under the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, participating pre-kindergarten programs must meet quality standards, including demonstrating quality and continuous improvement as measured by an approved quality rating system.

Another group of HCPSS pre-kindergarten programs currently is pursuing accreditation. All HCPSS pre-kindergarten programs are expected to achieve accreditation by the end of the 2025-2026 school year.

To date, HCPSS pre-kindergarten programs that have achieved accreditation include:

• Atholton Elementary
• Bushy Park Elementary
• Bryant Woods Elementary
• Cradlerock Elementary*
• Centennial Lane Elementary
• Elkridge Elementary
• Jeffers Hill Elementary
• Laurel Woods Elementary*
• Phelps Luck Elementary*
• Running Brook Elementary
• Stevens Forest Elementary
• Swansfield Elementary

The pre-kindergarten programs at Cradlerock, Laurel Woods and Phelps Luck elementary schools have previously achieved Accreditation and renewed it within the past two years.

“We are incredibly proud of our pre-K programs for achieving this distinction,” said HCPSS early childhood coordinator Amy Raymond. “It validates that HCPSS pre-kindergarten programs use best practices to deliver high-quality education to our youngest learners.”

“Pre-kindergarten is the first experience many students and families have with our schools. Accreditation provides one way for families to feel comfortable and confident sending their children to our pre-kindergarten program. It affirms that our programs are not just committed to excellence, but achieving it,” added HCPSS early childhood education resource teacher Alicia Phippen.

In order to achieve Maryland Accreditation, pre-kindergarten programs are required to demonstrate through written documentation and direct observation that they meet standards in three categories: program administration; program operation; and home and community partnerships. Examples of these standards may include:

• Use of teaching strategies that promote an awareness and appreciation of diversity
• Opportunities to engage in play-based learning activities
• Daily writing instruction
• Independent learning opportunities allowing students to explore, investigate, experiment, and problem-solve
• Instruction based on children’s individual needs, interests, strengths and learning styles
• Engaging families and the community in all aspects of the program

Achieving accreditation takes approximately 18 months.