PHLpreK to serve 4,300 students at 180 locations this year
PHILADELPHIA – PHLpreK, the City of Philadelphia’s free, quality pre-K program, has now opened enrollment for the 2022-2023 school year, with more providers and more seats than at any time since its inception.
Children who will be 3 or 4 by September 1 are eligible, regardless of their families’ income. With 300 new PHLpreK seats added this year, the program is ready to serve 4,300 students in 180 pre-K centers throughout the city.
“Because PHLpreK providers persevered during the pandemic, they ensured that thousands of children got the jumpstart on their education that pre-K provides,” said Vanessa Garrett Harley, Deputy Mayor for the Office of Children and Families. “Now, as we look ahead to the fall, I am tremendously excited that these providers are able to open their doors to even greater numbers of children, and that more providers than ever can participate. Our children, and the city as a whole, will benefit for years to come.”
This school year marks the sixth year for PHLpreK, which has served more than 13,000 young learners since the start in 2017.
“The PHLpreK community has benefited me, my program, and my team by acknowledging the hard work that we do, and by providing teaching assistance and coaching supports,” said Unis Bey, owner and Executive Director of Grays Ferry Early Learning Academy, and a member of the PHLpreK Provider Advisory. “We believe that all children should have access to high-quality early education, and we want them to be successful in Grays Ferry Early Learning Academy and beyond our walls.”
Interested families can reach out directly to participating centers, or call 844-PHL-PREK (844-745-7735) to find a program. A list of all participating centers and an interactive map can be found at PHLpreK.org/programs.
“Philadelphia continues to be at the forefront of supporting children and families by offering high-quality pre-K free of charge to any resident with a 3- or 4-year old child at over 180 locations, citywide,” said Sean Perkins, Chief of Early Childhood Education in the Office of Children and Families. “With this expansion, Philadelphia is investing in the next generation of leaders. It will not only prepare children for elementary school, but also open doors for their parents and caregivers in the workforce, higher education, and career advancement fields.”
PHLpreK is the City of Philadelphia’s free, quality pre-K program that gives children a strong foundation for their education. Funded by the Philadelphia Beverage Tax, PHLpreK is helping families across Philadelphia access affordable, quality early childhood education opportunities.