Quality Pre-K
Strengthening the local network of early childhood education providers, and expanding quality pre-K seats in every section of the city.
About
PHLpreK offers free, quality pre-K to children ages 3–4 across Philadelphia. This program is funded by the Philadelphia Beverage Tax proposed by Mayor Kenney and passed by City Council in 2016.
Since 2017 PHLpreK has served over 10,000 children. PHLpreK currently offers 4,000 children free, quality pre-K during the 2021-2022 school year. To achieve this, we partner with more than 150 early childhood education providers.
What is Quality Pre-K?
- A safe, well-equipped classroom staffed by trained teachers
- A challenging, proven, play-based curriculum
- Careful attention to the whole child (academic, physical, social, and emotional needs)
- Parental engagement and a transition plan for kindergarten
Connect
| Address |
1515 Arch St.
3rd Floor Philadelphia, PA 19102 |
|---|---|
|
Phone:
(215) 686-0333
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How to enroll
The City of Philadelphia’s free, quality PHLpreK program is growing.
With the addition of 700 new seats the program is growing to serve 4,000 students. This is thanks to the Philadelphia Beverage Tax and Philadelphia’s continued commitment to supporting young learners, educators, and families.
If your child will be 3 or 4 by September 1 sign up for the OCF newsletter for enrollment updates.
Goal
Since January 2017, over 8,000 students and families have participated in the City's free, quality pre-K program. PHLpreK currently funds 3,300 seats in nearly 140 pre-K locations across Philadelphia. PHLpreK is funded by the Philadelphia Beverage Tax.
Benefits
Investing in quality pre-K provides short-term and lasting benefits for the City of Philadelphia.
For Children
Quality pre-K nurtures growing minds during critical years of development. It ensures that all children arrive to Kindergarten ready to learn. Quality pre-K is also linked to better health outcomes, increased graduation rates, and higher earning potential.
For Families
Cost should not prevent a parent's ability to choose quality pre-K for their child. This program makes quality learning opportunities for three- and four-year-olds more convenient and affordable for families.
For Schools
Two thirds of children in Philadelphia entered the 4th grade unable to read at grade level. Quality pre-K reduces grade repetition and the need for special education services. This provides a significant cost savings to K-12 schools.
For Philadelphia
This investment strengthens neighborhood-based pre-K providers, most of which are minority and women-owned businesses. Studies show that pre-K providers and staff spend earnings locally, benefitting our entire economy.