Parents of young toddlers in Pennsylvania are likely thinking about early education options for their child — but which pre-K options are available in the Keystone State?
Before children enter kindergarten, many families look for early-learning opportunities that can help prepare them for the classroom.
According to the National Education Association, high-quality education before age 5 helps lay the foundation for future learning and development.
The Administration for Children and Families also says research shows high-quality early care and education can help children develop key academic and social skills that benefit them both in school and later in life.
Here's what families in Pennsylvania need to know as they contemplate education programming
for their child.
Does Pennsylvania offer universal pre-K?
Universal pre-K generally refers to preschool programs that are available regardless of family income or other eligibility requirements.
The Education Commission of the States defines universal pre-K as programs in which eligibility is based only on age and there is an intent to enroll all eligible children who wish to participate.
Pennsylvania's Department of Education does not describe Pre-K Counts as a universal pre-K program. Instead, the program serves eligible children who meet specific age and other eligibility requirements.
What is Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts?
Pennsylvania's Department of Education highlights programs such as Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts, which serves eligible children and includes income and other eligibility criteria.
Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts is a state-funded program that provides free half-day and full-day pre-kindergarten classes for eligible 3- and 4-year-olds.
According to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the program is designed for children who are between age 3 and kindergarten entry age and who are considered at risk of school failure, including children from qualifying households, English language learners and children with special needs.
The state says Pre-K Counts classrooms are staffed by qualified teachers and use educational programs designed to help children grow academically and socially before entering kindergarten.
Pennsylvania also says the program prepares children for skills such as reading, math, paying attention, following directions and getting along with others. Pre-K Counts is free for eligible families, though providers may charge for services outside the program, such as wraparound child care.
How can Pennsylvania parents find pre-K programs?
Families interested in enrolling a child can contact a Pre-K Counts provider directly.
According to the state, Pre-K Counts classrooms are available in most of Pennsylvania's 67 counties, and parents can search for participating providers through Pennsylvania's COMPASS website and early-learning program locator.
COMPASS is Pennsylvania's online hub for public services and benefits. Families can use the site to find Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts providers and other early-learning programs near them.
Damon C. Williams is a Philadelphia-based journalist reporting on trending, breaking and service-related topics across the Mid-Atlantic region for the USA Today Network.
This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: Sending a child to school? What to know about pre-K options in PA
