Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts

Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts program, established by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, is bringing quality half-day and full-day pre-kindergarten to 11,800 3 and 4 year olds in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. It is an initiative to provide early learning experiences to prepare young learners for kindergarten and school success.

  • Click HERE to watch the Governor's Ad on PA Pre-K Counts
  • Who is eligible for PA Pre-K Counts?
  • Click HERE (PDF) for a listing of 2008-2009 PA Pre-K Counts grantees by county. Please contact the lead agency directly for information on the areas that they serve within the county and enrollment information. Many grantees listed below have partnered with other early learning programs to provide services and may be serving other cities in addition to those listed.
  • PA Pre-K Counts flyer for parents PDF
  • PA Pre-K Counts en espanol PDF
The General Assembly approved an $11.4 million increase to allow 800 additional children to attend PA Pre-K Counts in 2008-2009. Email Governor Rendell, your state representative and senator and thank them for supporting quality early education through PA Pre-K Counts. My child is learning more in this one year than I could believe. When I see my son happy and excited about school I know I made the right choice to enroll him in Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts.
Parent, Today’s Child PA Pre-K Counts program, Delaware County

Why does my child need to attend a high quality pre-kindergarten program?

Children who come to kindergarten without all the skills they need often stay behind and struggle in school. Quality pre-kindergarten prepares children for reading and math, but also for paying attention, following directions and getting along with others.

Pre-kindergarten gives children a chance to learn, become excited about school and be better students.

By enrolling your child in quality pre-kindergarten, your child has a better chance of being ready for kindergarten and grade school. This strong early start in pre-kindergarten means they have a better chance of doing well in school, going on to college or career training, and getting a good job. All of this can start by enrolling your child in a PA Pre-K Counts classroom!

return to top

What can I expect from a PA Pre-K Counts classroom?

Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts classrooms will:

  • have teachers with the education and expertise to teach young children;
  • use a curriculum that will help your child grow, academically and socially;
  • regularly review your child’s progress and choose teaching and learning activities that are best for your child;
  • help you and your child adjust to pre-kindergarten and smoothly move on to kindergarten;
  • offer a small class size (20 students per one teacher and one aide) so that your child can have plenty of one-on-one time with the teachers.

By enrolling your child in PA Pre-K Counts, you can give your child a great start to a bright future.

return to top

Who is eligible for PA Pre-K Counts?

Each program offering PA Pre-K Counts classrooms will have their own guidelines, but PA Pre-K Counts is designed for children who

  • are between age 3 and younger than the entry age for kindergarten;
  • are at risk of school failure, either because of income (300% of the federal poverty level, or a family of four earning $63,600), language (English is not your first language), cultural or special needs issues.

If your child falls into these categories, you may be eligible to apply.

Click HERE to learn more about federal poverty guidelines. To find out 300% of the federal poverty level, find the poverty level that corresponds with the number of persons in your household and mulitply by three.

return to top

How much does PA Pre-K Counts cost?

PA Pre-K Counts is free to families.*

* The portion of the day that is funded through Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts is free to families; the program may charge for additional portions of the day (wrap-around care, etc.)

return to top

How can I enroll my child in a PA Pre-K Counts classroom?

There are PA Pre-K Counts classrooms in most of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties. Click HERE (PDF) for a listing of PA Pre-K Counts grantees by county.

Please contact the lead agency directly for information on the areas that they serve within the county and enrollment information. Many grantees listed below have partnered with other early learning programs to provide services and may be serving other cities in addition to those listed.
 

Visit the Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts page on the Pennsylvania Department of Education website.

return to top

 

About Pennsylvania's Promise for Children | Why quality early learning matters | Pennsylvania supports quality early learning |
How you can support PA's Promise for Children