PHILADELPHIA – Today, on the heels of Mayor Kenney signing the sweetened beverage tax legislation into law, the Mayor’s Office of Education (MOE) formally launched its pre-K initiative to expand affordable, quality pre-K citywide. MOE released two Requests for Qualifications (RFQ) inviting all quality pre-K providers and providers striving for quality to apply to partner with the City.

The first RFQ (RFQ for Quality Providers) supports the expansion of pre-K seats at existing quality pre-K programs. Early childhood education providers designated STAR-3 or STAR-4 by the Commonwealth’s Keystone STARS quality monitoring system, or are NAEYC-accredited, a national quality standard, are eligible to apply for city funding. The City plans to enroll 2,000 three- and four-year-olds in quality pre-K in January of 2017, and increase locally-funded pre-K seats each year for the next five years. The application deadline for this RFQ is July 22, 2016.

The second RFQ (RFQ for Provisional Growth) supports pre-K providers that do not possess STAR-3, STAR-4, or NAEYC-accreditation, but are committed to improving the quality of their pre-K program. Selected applicants will be connected to existing quality improvement resources; and receive training and technical assistance, professional development and credentialing support, and/or facility enhancements. The application deadline for this RFQ is July 25, 2016.

Revenue generated from the new sweetened beverage tax will fund pre-K expansion and other vital anti-poverty initiatives. The City will invest $210 million over the next five years so 6,500 more children annually will have the opportunity to participate in quality pre-K.

“I’m thrilled for the City to begin implementing quality pre-K expansion,” said Mayor Kenney. “The benefits of quality pre-K are profound for students, families, businesses, schools, and our local economy. Partnering with qualified pre-K providers and helping these small businesses grow is a key first step as our city moves toward universal pre-K.”

Both RFQs can be found at www.phila.gov/contracts (select “e-Contract Philly,” search department “MAYOR” and Opportunity No. 21160615161329 for the Quality Pre-K RFQ or Opportunity No. 21160615151431 for Provisional Growth RFQ.) Interested applicants are required to attend one mandatory information session. The dates are listed below. Individuals can attend in person at 1234 Market Street, 16^th floor, or participate in an online webinar. Advanced registration is required, using the links below.