PHILADELPHIA – Mayor Kenney announced today the launch of a new enrollment period for PHLpreK, the City’s free, quality pre-K program. Classes will begin in September at more than 140 pre-K centers throughout the city.

Interested families should sign up in person at a participating center, and can find PHLpreK locations by visiting PHLpreK.org or calling 844-PHL-PREK (844-745-7735). The program is free, and all three- and four-year-olds living in Philadelphia are eligible to enroll. There are no income requirements.

The coming school year marks a significant expansion for the PHLpreK program, which will grow from 2,250 pre-K seats to 3,300 and has added more than 60 sites. PHLpreK is funded by the Philadelphia Beverage Tax.

“Today marks a big step forward for our City’s commitment to providing affordable and quality pre-K for all Philadelphia children who need it,” said Mayor Kenney. “Next year 3,300 children will be able to learn and grow in a quality pre-K classroom, where they’ll build skills for academic and social success. I have no doubt that this program will continue to support the growth of our city’s youngest residents and prepare them for school and beyond.”

Mayor Kenney made the announcement before touring Drueding Center’s early learning program, which is new to the PHLpreK initiative and will offer PHLpreK to 15 students next year in Kensington. Drueding Center operates a nearby transitional housing program, and many program residents enroll their children in the center’s childcare and pre-K classes. Drueding Center’s Executive Director Anne Marie Collins participated in the enrollment announcement.

“Joining the PHLpreK initiative expands the Drueding Center’s ability to support our community,” said Collins. “Access to quality pre-K is important for children’s cognitive, social, and emotional development – and making it affordable is critical for the stability and success of families. We look forward to a great year with our new students and families.”

“PHLpreK has already served over 4,000 children, created nearly 280 new jobs, and improved the overall quality of pre-K available in Philadelphia by investing in neighborhood centers.” said PHLpreK Director of Operations Shante’ Brown. “The program will continue to expand in the coming years to 5,500 seats, and I am proud that our growth means that many more children will have access to the quality educational opportunities they deserve.”