We are proud to offer Pre-K Counts and PHL Pre-K programs at select Y Locations. These programs offer free Pre-K to families who meet the requirements.
Pre-K Counts
Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts (Pre-K Counts) provides quality half-day and 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.
These children 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 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
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.
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.
Currently Offered at These Locations
Columbia North YMCA
1400 N. Broad St.
Philadelphia, PA 19121
Gilbertsville ELC
144 Holly Road
Gilbertsville, PA 19525
Northeast YMCA
11088 Knights Road
Philadelphia, PA 19154
Phoenixville YMCA
400 E. Pothouse Road
Phoenixville, PA 19460
Pottstown ELC
1000 Heritage Drive
Sanatoga, PA 19464
Rocky Run YMCA
1299 West Baltimore Pike
Media, PA 19063
Roxborough
7219 Ridge Ave
Philadelphia, PA 19128
PHL PreK
PHLpreK funds free, quality, pre-K at over 130 centers throughout Philadelphia. The Y is a participating partner of this program within the city!
PHLpreK is available to 3 and 4-year-olds who reside in the City of Philadelphia. You are likely eligible to enroll your child for the PHLpreK 2023-24 academic year if:
- Your child has turned 3 or 4 by September of the next year.
- You are a resident of Philadelphia.
There are no income or employment requirements.
Currently Offered at These Locations
Christian Street YMCA
1724 Christian Street
Philadelphia, PA 19146
Columbia North YMCA
1400 N. Broad Street
Philadelphia, PA 19121
Northeast Family YMCA
11088 Knights Road
Philadelphia, PA 19154
Roxborough
7219 Ridge Ave
Philadelphia, PA 19128
Private Pre-K
Through this program, families can have access to YMCA preschool programs that prepare children to enter kindergarten ready to learn and succeed. Our qualified teachers are skilled to provide your child with the tools they need for success in school and in life!
The Early Learning program uses a curriculum based on Pennsylvania’s quality early learning standards.
Preschool Program (3 – 4 Years)
The preschool program provides three-year-olds with opportunities to socialize and build a solid foundation for future education. Experienced teachers and aides incorporate child-centered activities to encourage attentive listening skills, pro-social behavior, and provide opportunities to increase self-awareness.
Pre-Kindergarten Program (4 – 5 Years)
At this age, your child will gain independence with a more structured environment and a curriculum to build the school readiness skills your child needs for a successful year as a kindergartner. Teachers will partner with you and the school district to ensure you and your child are ready to fully transition into the elementary school environment.
Currently Offered at These Locations
Abington ELC
1073 Old York Road
Abington, PA 19001
Christian Street YMCA
1724 Christian Street
Philadelphia, PA 19146
Columbia North YMCA
1400 N. Broad St.
Philadelphia, PA 19121
Gilbertsville ELC
144 Holly Road
Gilbertsville, PA 19525
Montgomery County Community College ELC
340 Dekalb Pike
Blue Bell, PA 19422
Mt. Laurel YMCA
59 Centerton Road
Mt. Laurel, NJ 08054
Northeast Family YMCA
11088 Knights Road
Philadelphia, PA 19154
Phoenixville YMCA
400 E. Pothouse Road
Phoenixville, PA 19460
Pottstown ELC
1000 Heritage Drive
Sanatoga, PA 19464
Rocky Run YMCA
1299 West Baltimore Pike
Media, PA 19063
Roxborough
7219 Ridge Ave
Philadelphia, PA 19128