Pre-K Counts Program
Free preschool for every type of learner.
About Pre-K Counts
Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts (Pre-K Counts) provides quality full-day pre-kindergarten to eligible 3 and 4-year-olds until the entry age for kindergarten.
The Pre-K Counts program is designed for kids at risk of school failure who may also be English language learners or have special needs. Families who fall below 300% of poverty are eligible to apply for Pre-K Counts. The poverty guidelines are available by clicking here. Families who fall within 100% of poverty levels are encouraged to also apply to Head Start.
Pre-K Counts Program Benefits
Children in Pre-K Counts benefit from:
- 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
- Classroom teachers with the education, state teaching certification, and expertise to teach young children
- A curriculum that helps each child grow, academically and socially
- Selected teaching and learning activities that are best for individual learning abilities
- Regular updates about their progress throughout the school year
- An included lunch and snack
Pre-K Counts is free to eligible families. The Y may charge for non-Pre-K Counts programming such as before and after school care. Financial assistance is available to help offset these costs for those who qualify.
Apply for Pre-K Counts
Based on the quality components adopted for pre-kindergarten by the State Board of Education, the Y provides families with a choice of quality pre-kindergarten options in YMCA Early Learning Centers in the participating communities we serve.
Families interested in applying for the Pre-K Counts program can complete the application by expanding one of the locations below. Before applying, families should also review the Pre-K Counts attendance policy and enrollment checklist.
Families interest in applying for Pre-K Counts can complete the application below.
Pre-K Counts Locations
Columbia North YMCA Early Learning Center
1400 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19121
Gilbertsville Early Learning Center
144 Holly Road, Gilbertsville, PA 19525
Northeast Family YMCA Early Learning Center
11088 Knights Road, Philadelphia, PA 19154
Phoenixville YMCA Early Learning Center
400 East Pothouse Road, Phoenixville, PA 19460
Pottstown Early Learning Center
1000 Heritage Drive, Sanatoga, PA 19464
Rocky Run YMCA Early Learning Center
1299 West Baltimore Pike, Media, PA 19063
Do families need to apply for Pre-K Counts?
Families must apply to qualify for Pre-K Counts, an income based free preschool opportunity.
Which children are eligible for Pre-K Counts?
Children ages 3-4 are eligible to enroll, child must not turn 5 prior to September 1. Children who are of Kindergarten age must attend Kindergarten. Daily attendance is required.
What are the hours of operation for Pre-K Counts?
Hours of operation are 9-3, wrap around care may be available depending on location.
What's the staff to child ratio?
We follow a 1 adult to 10 children ratio for preschool.
How do teachers communicate with parents about child progress?
Daily notes on the curriculum, lessons, and activities are provided through Tadpoles. Families are provided with development progress reports three times per year.
How do you maintain a sanitary environment?
Handwashing occurs upon entering the classroom, before handling food and feeding, after handling body fluids, before and after messy play.
Surfaces in the learning center are washed and sanitized frequently. Rest mats/coats are sanitized weekly and bedding is sent home at the end of each week to be laundered. Carpets and toys are cleaned regularly.
What health and safety precautions are taken?
To learn more about the health and safety precautions we follow at Y Early Learning Centers, please review our Family Manual. We also follow the standards outlined by Praesidium for child protection.
What do families need to provide as part of their child's care?
Families shall provide a seasonably appropriate change of clothing as messy play, food spills, and toileting accidents are still common at this age.
Families provide a standard crib sheet and blanket, change of seasonally appropriate clothing, sippy cup or water bottle, and possibly lunch depending on location.
All items brought from home shall be labeled with the child’s full name.
How often are bathroom trips?
Bathroom trips are provided at least every 2 hours.
When is nap time?
Nap time is for 1 hour after lunch on a cot or rest mat.
How often will my child play outside?
Preschoolers spend time outdoors daily so appropriate outerwear is necessary year round.
What type of shoes should my child wear?
Closed toe and closed heel shoes, such as sneakers, are best for all age groups.
Can my child bring a screen play device?
Screen time is not permitted in preschool rooms.