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HCPSS Celebrates Newly Accredited Prekindergarten Programs

August 25th, 2025

A prek student holding scissors.

Ten Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) full-day prekindergarten programs achieved Maryland Accreditation during the 2024-2025 school year. The newly accredited programs include:

A TRES prek class sitting on a carpet.

Accreditation is the culmination of an 18-month process requiring pre-K program staff to demonstrate through written documentation and direct observation that they meet state standards in three categories: program administration; program operation; and home and community partnerships. Program staff must also develop and implement an improvement plan to meet any unmet standards.

“Maryland Accreditation is a rigorous and continuous process. The HCPSS pre-K programs that have achieved Accreditation have put in the time and energy to create a highly sought-after program using early childhood best practices,” explains HCPSS Early Childhood Programs Resource Teacher Alicia Phippen.

TRES prek student holding a piece of paper.

“Families are looking for many things in an early care setting: a safe environment, trusting relationships, engaging programming, opportunities to meet their needs as parents and more,” Phippen adds. “HCPSS’ accredited pre-K programs demonstrate these program qualities and more, including being dedicated to continuous improvement.”

To date, 21 HCPSS pre-K and Multiple Intense Needs Classes (MINC) Pre-K programs have achieved Maryland Accreditation. All HCPSS pre-K programs are expected to achieve Accreditation by the end of the 2025-2026 school year as part of HCPSS’ ongoing work to satisfy Maryland’s Blueprint for the Future requirements. Maryland Accreditation is awarded for five years.

Additional information on HCPSS’ pre-K programs, including eligibility criteria and an application, can be found online.