Later this month, Austin will turn 3 years old. Soon after he will start PHLpreK at Bustleton Learning Center.

“He’s ready to learn and I’m looking forward to him being involved in more activities such as sports, running around, and playing with friends,” said his father Quang Lam.

Quang works in construction and his wife Ivy is an inventory specialist at an LED factory. Both work full time. This will be Austin’s first classroom setting. He’s had a babysitter since he was 6 months old.

A family member recommended Bustleton Learning Center to Quang and Ivy. “I was willing to pay out of pocket, but I’m glad it’s free,” said Quang.” We have a lot of expenses. We’re buying a new house and my stepson is going to college this coming semester and that’s going to be a lot of money, so this really helps.”

In addition, the location is close to where the family currently lives. “When we move it’ll be 15 minutes away which is not bad. We don’t mind the commute time because it is saving us a lot of money.”

Quang is also happy about Bustleton’s breakfast program. “When we’re busy it’s so hard to decide what he’s going to eat at school and that helps a lot.” He encourages other families considering pre-K to enroll in PHLpreK. “It really helps financially.”

Quang looks forward to reading in Austin’s classroom soon and how much Austin will learn. “I’m pretty sure he’ll cry for a day or two. But he gets used to people fairly quickly,” said Quang. “He’s getting bigger and he’s starting to ask a lot of questions and he’s getting curious. It’s a good time for him to learn more that we can’t teach him.”

Visit phlprek.org/programs to find a center near you and enroll your child today. PHLpreK is free, and has no income or work requirements.

Act fast; seats are filling up quickly! Go to phlprek.org or call 844-PHL-PREK to learn more and find a program near you!