Free Preschool For Every Type of Learner
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.
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 include 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.
Pre-K Counts Locations
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.
Address:
1400 N. Broad St., Philadelphia, PA 19121
Phone:
215-235-6440
Address:
144 Holly Road, Gilbertsville, PA 19525
Phone:
610-367-9622
Address:
11088 Knights Road, Philadelphia, PA 19154
Phone:
215-632-0100
Address:
400 E. Pothouse Road, Phoenixville, PA 19460
Phone:
610-933-5861
Address:
1000 Heritage Drive, Sanatoga, PA 19464
Phone:
484-363-2724
Address:
1299 West Baltimore Pike, Media, PA 19063
Phone:
610-627-9622
Address:
7219 Ridge Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19128
Phone:
215-482-3900
Frequently Asked Questions
Have a question we didn't answer below? Let's chat! Our caring and dedicated Child Care team members are here to answer any questions your family may have.
Families must apply to qualify for Pre-K Counts, an income based free preschool opportunity.
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.
Hours of operation are 9-3, wrap around care may be available depending on location.
We follow a 1 adult to 10 children ratio for preschool.
Daily notes on the curriculum, lessons, and activities are provided through Tadpoles. Families are provided with development progress reports three times per year.
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.
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.
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.
Bathroom trips are provided at least every 2 hours.
Nap time is for 2 hours after lunch on a cot or rest mat.
Preschoolers spend time outdoors daily so appropriate outerwear is necessary year round.
Closed toe and closed heel shoes, such as sneakers, are best for all age groups.
Screen time is not permitted in toddler rooms.