EDUCATION

From kindergarten to college, Howard County's educational system is ranked among the best in the state. In this section, you can find information about schools, libraries, museums and historic sites.

PRESCHOOL
KINDERGARTEN - GRADE 12
HIGHER EDUCATION
ADULT EDUCATION
PUBLIC LIBRARIES
OTHER LIBRARIES
MUSEUMS & HISTORIC SITES

PRESCHOOL

Parents or guardians who need help locating child care services may call Locate Child Care (410-313-2930) or check the Child Care Resource Center web page.

Head Start

Head Start serves children whose families meet income eligibility according to poverty guidelines and children whose families are receiving ongoing Family Investment Program benefits such as medical assistance, purchase of care, jobs first and temporary cash assistance. Locations include

• Rockland in Ellicott City
• the Tubman Center in Columbia

Children with documented special needs make up 10% of enrollment. The Community Action Council (410-313-6440) has applications. Proof of income, documentation of child's age, and health records are required.

Prekindergarten

The Extended Elementary Education Program Prekindergarten is offered at seven schools to children who will be four years old by December 31 and who meet eligibility requirements. Each school may enroll up to 20 students. A certified teacher and an assistant teach a balanced curriculum, including reading, math, science, physical and social development, and health education. Eligible students from nine other school attendance areas may attend the program at Dasher Green, Guilford, Laurel Woods, Phelps Luck, Running Brook, Swansfield or Talbot Springs Elementary School. Call the school for specific information. The program is funded by a grant from the State Department of Education.

KINDERGARTEN - GRADE 12

The Public School System offers a comprehensive educational program for students in kindergarten through grade 12. For information on curriculum, special education, the Gifted and Talented program, Chapter I, the Black Student Achievement Program or other related programming, call the Public Information Office of the Public School System (410-313-6682).

Preventing Dropouts

Public school students in grades 8-12 who are considered at risk of dropping out of school are eligible for the Maryland's Tomorrow Program. The Employment and Training Center (410-313-4600) administers this federally and state-funded dropout prevention program at local high schools.

Required School Attendance

School attendance is compulsory for children five years of age (as of December 2000 for the school year beginning in fall 2000). Maryland law requires that children attend kindergarten before entering first grade. Parents or guardians may request a one-year maturity waiver from the Public School System (410-313-6600).

School Enrollment

To enroll your child in public school:

• Contact the School System's Public Information Office (410-313-6682) to verify which school your child should attend.
• Call the school to make an appointment to register your child. School offices are open weekdays throughout the school year and during the summer.
• Bring your child's birth certificate and proof of immunizations to your appointment. The school also requires proof of residency. Proof of guardianship may be required. The school registrar will have forms to request records from your child's previous school.

School Schedule

Call the school system's Public Information Office (410-313-6682) for a school calendar and handbook with information about schools, personnel, support services, special programs, assessments, the Board of Education, requirements, emergency closings, schedules and more.

School Snow Days

The school system's (410-313-6666) Office of Transportation works with other government agencies, the Weather Bureau, police and school personnel from surrounding counties to determine if weather conditions necessitate canceling school or opening late. The decision is based on road conditions and visibility.

• The process of checking begins around 3 a.m. A decision is made by about 5 a.m., before the first buses begin their routes.
• The school system provides closing and delayed opening information to selected local radio and television stations.
• When schools are closed for the day or close early, community and after-school activities are canceled.

HIGHER EDUCATION

Howard Community College offers academic degree programs and continuing education classes. Credit classes can be transferred to other colleges and universities. Degrees include Associate in Arts, Certificate of Proficiency, and Letter of Recognition. For information about credit programs, tuition rates and class schedules, call the Admissions Office (410-772-4856).

ADULT EDUCATION

Howard Community College offers programs for computer instruction, personal growth and enrichment, professional licensure and certification, basic skills and overseas travel. Call the Continuing Education Office (410-772-4823) for fees, a schedule and information.

Special Training

The Employment and Training Center (410-313-4600) provides academic reinforcement, GED preparation, and technical skill training for eligible persons age 17-up.

Tutoring for Adults

The Howard County Library's Project Literacy (410-313-7900) provides one-on-one literacy tutoring for adults.

Workshops & Seminars

Cooperative Extension (410-313-2707) coordinates workshops and seminars on a variety of subjects such as 4-H, agricultural crop and livestock production, nutrition and more.

PUBLIC LIBRARIES

The library provides 24 hour, dial-in access to the online catalog and a variety of other electronic data bases via the Library web page. All Howard County Library branches offer wireless internet access, computers for public use, photocopiers and printers.

Library Borrowing Periods

Most circulating library materials may be borrowed for 21 days. Exceptions are entertainment video cassettes, two days; and instructional, children's and foreign language videos, seven days.

Library Card Applications

If you live, work or attend school in Howard County, you are eligible to apply at any library location for a library card. There is no age requirement, but an I.D. showing your name and address is needed. A parent's signature is required for applicants under age 13.

Library Collections

Libraries have more than books! To borrow audio cassettes, compact discs, toys or videotapes, contact your local library branch.

Library Renewals

All 21-day unreserved library materials may be renewed for another 21 days or transferred to another borrower's card twice. You can renew in person at any Howard County Library branch or from home with a touch-tone phone or computer. Ask for a personal identification number (PIN) at the circulation desk. Pick up a TeleCirc brochure (410-313-7810) or use the Public Access Catalog from your computer.

Returning Library Materials

Return video cassettes to any county library location. You may return books to any public library in Maryland.

OTHER LIBRARIES

MUSEUMS & HISTORIC SITES