Pre-K Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I know if my child is eligible?
- Does my child have to attend 5 days a week from 8 am to 1 pm?
- If I’m not eligible will my child have the same high quality program as the Pre-K Counts children?
- How do I enroll?
- Will the Children’s Center accept as many Pre-K Counts children as there is room at the Center?
- If those slots are full, how do I put my child on the waiting list?
- What else is required?
- Can I still use the subsidy system to help pay for the additional hours?
- My child just turned 3 and is in the younger group at the Children’s Center. Is she/he getting a preschool education?
- How long has Pre-K Counts been available?
- What else do I need to know?
How do I know if my child is eligible?
- Your child must be between 3 years of age and entering kindergarten to participate.
- She/he is eligible if English is her/his second language or if she/he has special needs.
- If neither of the criteria in #2 apply, please see the family income chart below to determine if your child is eligible based on family income.
- 2007 HHS Poverty Guidelines
Persons in Family or Household |
48 Contiguous States and D.C. |
300% |
1 |
$10,210 |
30630 |
2 |
13,690 |
41070 |
3 |
17,170 |
51510 |
4 |
20,650 |
61950 |
5 |
24,130 |
72390 |
6 |
27,610 |
82830 |
7 |
31,090 |
93270 |
8 |
34,570 |
103710 |
For each additional person, add |
3,480 |
|
Source: Federal Register, Vol. 72, No. 15, January 24, 2007, pp. 3147–3148
Does my child have to attend 5 days a week from 8 am to 1 pm?
Yes, your child should arrive by 9 am at the latest.
If I’m not eligible will my child have the same high quality program as the Pre-K Counts children?
Absolutely.
How do I enroll?
Use the standard Children’s Center Registration Form, write Pre-K Counts at the top, and follow the payment instructions at the bottom for any additional hours past 1 pm. If you are only using 8 am to 1 pm there is no charge; you do not need to pay the registration or insurance fees.
Will the Children’s Center accept as many Pre-K Counts children as there is room at the Center?
No. We are funded for 15 Pre-K Counts children.
If those slots are full, how do I put my child on the waiting list?
Email or call the director for instructions.
What else is required?
You must submit the completed health form, with an exam date within the past year, within the first 2 weeks of your child’s attendance. There may be additional requirements, which will be determined shortly.
Can I still use the subsidy system to help pay for the additional hours?
Yes. If you are in the CAO system you should not enroll in Pre-K Counts, as your child care costs are already covered. If you are not signed up for subsidy, please call 800-281-1116 for more information.
My child just turned 3 and is in the younger group at the Children’s Center. Is she/he getting a preschool education?
Yes. At the Children’s Center we plan for each child individually, based on their developmental stage. All of our classrooms use the Pennsylvania Early Learning Standards and the Creative Curriculum Goals and Objectives in planning for children ages 3 and up.
How long has Pre-K Counts been available?
It was included in the Pennsylvania budget which was approved in July, 2007. We were notified that our application was accepted in early August.
What else do I need to know?
More information will be coming soon. Since the program is so new, we are in the process of learning all that we need to know.
