We are proud to offer Pre-K Counts, PHL Pre-K, and New Jersey Universal Pre K programs at select Y locations. These programs offer free Pre-K to families who meet the requirements.
These programs use the Creative Curriculum for Preschool. A key feature of this research-based curriculum is the “active participatory learning” process where children make daily choices about their activities and teachers help them cultivate language, fine and gross motor skills, and social skills as they play.
Our philosophy is that every child can learn, and our goal is to help each student reach their fullest potential. Support towards that goal is readily available for students, staff and parents. Within that philosophy is a belief that the culture of our schools is an important component of success for all. We are invested in programs that build a sense of community.
Pre-K Counts
Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts (Pre-K Counts) provides quality full-day pre-kindergarten to eligible 3 and 4-year-olds until the entry age for kindergarten at no cost.
The Pre-K Counts program is designed for kids at risk of school failure who may also be English language learners or have special needs. Families who fall below 300% of poverty are eligible to apply for Pre K Counts. The poverty guidelines are available by clicking here. Families who fall within 100% of poverty levels are encouraged to also apply to Head Start.
Children in Pre-K Counts benefit from:
- a small class size (20 students per one teacher and one aide) so that your child can have plenty of one-on-one time with the teachers
- classroom teachers with the education, state teaching certifications, and expertise to teach young children
- a curriculum that helps each child grow, academically and socially
- selected teaching and learning activities that are best for individual learning abilities
- regular updates about their progress throughout the school year
- an included lunch and snack
Pre-K Counts is free to eligible families. The Y may charge for non-Pre-K Counts programming such as before and after school care. Financial assistance is available to help offset these costs for those who qualify.
Based on the quality components adopted for pre-kindergarten by the State Board of Education, the Y provides families with a choice of quality pre-kindergarten options in YMCA Early Learning Centers in the participating communities we serve.
Pre-K Counts Locations
Address:
1400 N. Broad St., Philadelphia, PA 19121
Phone:
215-235-6440
Address:
144 Holly Road, Gilbertsville, PA 19525
Phone:
610-367-9622
Address:
11088 Knights Road, Philadelphia, PA 19154
Phone:
215-632-0100
Address:
400 E. Pothouse Road, Phoenixville, PA 19460
Phone:
610-933-5861
Address:
1000 Heritage Drive, Sanatoga, PA 19464
Phone:
484-363-2724
Address:
1299 West Baltimore Pike, Media, PA 19063
Phone:
610-627-9622
Address:
7219 Ridge Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19128
Phone:
215-482-3900
PHLpreK
PHLpreK funds free, quality, pre-K at over 130 centers throughout Philadelphia. The Y is a participating partner of this program within the city!
PHLpreK is available to 3 and 4-year-olds who reside in the City of Philadelphia. There are no income or employment requirements. You are likely eligible to enroll your child for the PHLpreK 2023-24 academic year if:
- Your child has turned 3 or 4 by September of the next year.
- You are a resident of Philadelphia.
Children in PHLpreK benefit from:
- a small class size (20 students per one teacher and one aide) so that your child can have plenty of one-on-one time with the teachers
- classroom teachers with the education and expertise to teach young children
- a curriculum that helps each child grow, academically and socially
- selected teaching and learning activities that are best for individual learning abilities
- regular updates about their progress throughout the school year
PHLpreK is free to Philadelphia families. The Y may charge for non-PHLpreK programming such as before and after school care. Financial assistance is available to help offset these costs for those who qualify.
PHLpreK Locations
Address:
1724 Christian Street, Philadelphia, PA 19146
Phone:
215-735-5800
Address:
1400 N. Broad St., Philadelphia, PA 19121
Phone:
215-235-6440
Address:
11088 Knights Road, Philadelphia, PA 19154
Phone:
215-632-0100
Address:
7219 Ridge Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19128
Phone:
215-482-3900
New Jersey Universal Pre K
Mount Laurel Schools offers a high-quality, full-day preschool program for three and four-year-olds at both in-district schools and local provider sites. The program is aligned with the New jersey Preschool Teaching and Learning Standards which addresses all domains of learning. We provide a whole child approach that promotes a child's long-term development and growth.
Mount Laurel Schools offers inclusion general education preschool classes for three and four-year-olds and specialized preschool classes for three and four-year-old students with disabilities.
Learn More about Universal Pre K
Children in Universal Pre K benefit from:
- a small class size (15 students per one teacher and one aide) so that your child can have plenty of one-on-one time with the teachers
- classroom teachers with the education, state teacher certification and expertise to teach young children
- a curriculum that helps each child grow, academically and socially
- selected teaching and learning activities that are best for individual learning abilities
- regular updates about their progress throughout the school year
New Jersey Universal Pre K Location
Address:
1001 Briggs Road, Suite 275, Mt. Laurel, NJ 08054
Phone:
856-266-9922
Private Pre-K
Through this program, families can have access to YMCA preschool programs that prepare children to enter kindergarten ready to learn and succeed. Our qualified teachers are skilled to provide your child with the tools they need for success in school and in life!
The Early Learning program uses a curriculum based on Pennsylvania’s quality early learning standards.
Preschool Program (3 – 4 Years)
The preschool program provides three-year-olds with opportunities to socialize and build a solid foundation for future education. Experienced teachers and aides incorporate child-centered activities to encourage attentive listening skills, pro-social behavior, and provide opportunities to increase self-awareness.
Pre-Kindergarten Program (4 – 5 Years)
At this age, your child will gain independence with a more structured environment and a curriculum to build the school readiness skills your child needs for a successful year as a kindergartner. Teachers will partner with you and the school district to ensure you and your child are ready to fully transition into the elementary school environment.
Private Pre-K Locations
Address:
1073 Old York Road, Abington, PA 19001
Phone:
215-309-0374
Address:
1724 Christian Street, Philadelphia, PA 19146
Phone:
215-735-5800
Address:
1400 N. Broad St., Philadelphia, PA 19121
Phone:
215-235-6440
Address:
144 Holly Road, Gilbertsville, PA 19525
Phone:
610-367-9622
Address:
340 Dekalb Pike, Blue Bell, PA 19422
Phone:
215-220-9199
Address:
59 Centerton Road, Mt. Laurel, NJ 08054
Phone:
856-231-9622
Address:
11088 Knights Road, Philadelphia, PA 19154
Phone:
215-632-0100
Address:
400 E. Pothouse Road, Phoenixville, PA 19460
Phone:
610-933-5861
Address:
1000 Heritage Drive, Sanatoga, PA 19464
Phone:
484-363-2724
Address:
1299 West Baltimore Pike, Media, PA 19063
Phone:
610-627-9622
Address:
7219 Ridge Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19128
Phone:
215-482-3900