Early Learning
Missoula County Public Schools is pleased to offer high-quality early learning opportunites for students including the Trailblazer 4 Early Learning classroom and Trailblazer 3-4 Development Preschool Services.
Classrooms and Services
Trailblazer 4 Early Learning Classroom
The Trailblazer 4 program is a full-day, classroom-based early learning experience for children who turn four years old by September 10 of the upcoming school year. Eligibility is determined through a literacy and/or math screener designed to identify children who would benefit from additional early learning support before entering kindergarten.
This program is made possible through House Bill 352, passed by the Montana Legislature, which expands access to high-quality early learning opportunities for four-year-olds in public schools. Through the Trailblazer 4 classroom based program, eligible students participate in structured, high-quality learning experiences that focus on building foundational literacy, numeracy, and social-emotional skills to ensure a strong start in kindergarten. MCPS currently offers at least one Trailblazer 4 classroom in every elementary school.
Trailblazers 4 screenings are held throughout March and April, and in-district families are notified of placement decisions no later than June 1 for fall enrollment. See the Trailblazers 4 Screening section of this web page for more information on upcoming screening windows.
Screening Information and Important Dates
Screening Process
Screening Process for 2026-2027 School Year
Step 1:
If your child will turn 4 by September 10th, 2026, and you are interested in having your child screened for the MCPS Trailblazers 4 classroom, please carefully review the Pre-Screening Packet. Complete all sections and gather the required documents listed below. Completed packets may be turned in starting February 1, 2026. Please note, early submissions will not be accepted.
If you do not live in the MCPS elementary school district but would like to have your child screened for eligibility, you will also need to complete an Out-of-District application. Please visit the information webpage for the application and requirements. Out-of-district applications are due by January 30th of each year. Out-of-district families will not be notified of acceptance into the Trailblazers 4 program until August 15, 2026.
Step 2:
Prepare the following required documents to include with your packet:
- Birth Certificate – A state-issued birth certificate.
- Immunization Records – A complete record or the State of Montana Certificate of Immunization (blue form). Please ensure your child meets all state immunization requirements.
- Proof of Residency – One document in the guardian’s name verifying the physical home address. Acceptable examples include:
- Power, water, or garbage bill
- Spectrum/internet bill
- Lease agreement
- Renter’s insurance statement
Step 3:
Submit your completed packet and documents to Missoula County Public School's Central Enrollment beginning February 1, 2026. You may submit them in one of the following ways:
- By Email: studentregistration@mcpsmt.org
- In Person: MCPS District Office – 909 South Avenue West, Building A (Located between Sentinel High School and The Butterfly House)
Step 4:
Once your pre-screening packet is completed and returned to Central Enrollment, the Trailblazers program will email a link to schedule a screening appointment. Screening is required by MT State Law to show eligibility for four year old programming.
If you have questions or need assistance with enrollment, please contact MCPS Central Enrollment at 406-728-2400 ext. 1082. If you have questions about the Trailblazers 3 & 4 year old programs, please email trailblazers@mcpsmt.org
Important Dates
February 1, 2026- Trailblazer 4 Pre-screening packets for the 2026/27 school year will be accepted.
March 1- 30, 2026- Trailblazer 4 Screening appointments available. Please note that screenings will be by appointment only (appointment link sent upon receipt of completed pre-screening packet).
To be eligible for the Trailblazers 4 classroom, Students MUST be 4 years of age on or before September 10, 2026 OR turn five between May 1, 2026 and September 10, 2026 and MUST demonstrate need on a literacy and/or math screener.
Trailblazer 3-4 Developmental Preschool Services
MCPS Trailblazer 3-4 developmental preschool services are designed for children living in the MCPS elementary school district who turn 3-4 years old during the current school year and demonstrate developmental delays requiring specialized instruction or related services.
Children who are 3-4 may participate in a Child Find screening offered by MCPS; Child Find screenings can happen at any time throughout the school year. This screening helps determine whether a full special education evaluation may be needed to receive Trailblazers 3-4 services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
The Trailblazer 3 program provides individualized support in communication, motor, cognitive, and social-emotional development, helping children who qualify for special education services to build the skills needed for success in school and beyond and services are offered in a variety of settings including community based options.
Students who are 4 by September 10th of the current school year and who qualify for special education services will be offered placement in a Trailblazers 4 classroom to receive services.
Families of 3-4 year olds can request a developmental screening and/or more information at any time by emailing trailblazers@mcpsmt.org.
