City of Philadelphia

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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 17,000 children. PHLpreK is now offering 5,250 children free, quality pre-K during the 2024–2025 school year. To achieve this, we partner with more than 220 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) 683-6012

How to enroll

The City of Philadelphia’s free, quality PHLpreK program is growing.

If your child will be 3 or 4 by September 1, sign up for the OCF newsletter for enrollment updates.

Newsletter sign-up
Sign up to get news from the Office of Children and Families, including PHLpreK enrollment and contracting opportunities.
Donate
Help us make quality pre-K available to thousands of children who lack access.

Goal

Since January 2017, over 17,000 students and families have participated in the City's free, quality pre-K program. PHLpreK currently funds 5,250 seats in over 220 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 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 3- and 4-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.


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