The MCPS Early Literacy Program is a free, full-time, classroom-based program offered during the regular school year. The Early Literacy Program provides early literacy interventions for children who score below proficient in one of the early literacy skills as identified through a screening process.

The Early Literacy Program for fall of 2025 is for:

• Children who will be 4 years old by September 10th.
• Children who are born between May 1, 2020, and September 10, 2020, who turn 5 during these dates.

Dates and locations:

The Early Literacy Program takes place during the regular school year. 

Process:

• To be eligible for the Early Literacy Program families must reside within the MCPS boundaries and children must be screened by an MCPS screener and score below proficient in at least one of the Early Literacy skills.  (For out-of-district enrollment application information, please visit the enrollment webpage.)
• Screenings are not first come, first served.  All students who qualify will be offered placement.  Should a school over-enroll, a lottery and/or placement at another school will be offered.  There is no advantage to screening early so families are encouraged to screen at a time that is convenient for them.
• Families will be notified no later than March 26th and have until April 1st to accept placement.
• To schedule your appointment, please visit the MCPS Early Literacy and Kindergarten Jumpstart Screening online form.
• For questions, please email earlyliteracy@mcpsmt.org.

Children may be considered for acceptance into this program if they are determined to be below proficient in the areas determined by the Montana Board of Public Education and described in this Montana Early Literacy Advisory Council report.