This story is featured in Chalkbeat’s 2024 Philadelphia Early Childhood Education Guide on efforts to improve outcomes for the city’s youngest learners. To keep up with early childhood education and Philadelphia’s public schools, sign up for our free newsletter here.
Enrolling in Philly’s free, full-day, high-quality preschool programs has been a confusing maze of paperwork, waiting lists, and in-person meetings.
But this year, the city released a new “universal” application that allows families to apply for multiple free pre-K programs, including the school district’s and the city’s. Officials from Mayor Cherelle Parker’s administration call the new application and website a “a one-stop shop for families to explore public preschool options.”
There are 5,250 PHLpreK seats across the city in 228 programs this year, according to Parker’s office. According to school district data, another 3,900 students are enrolled through PreK Counts, which is funded through the state. And some 6,000 are eligible through Head Start, a decades-old federal program aimed at giving children in low-income families access to early childhood classrooms.
To qualify for free pre-K in Philly, your child must live in Philadelphia and be at least 3 years old to enroll, but families can begin the application process earlier. Children who are turning 5 on or before Sept. 1 have to apply to kindergarten.
The city says the perfect time to start the application process is after the winter holidays.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to applying for pre-K in Philly.
What do I need to know to get started?
Philly has several free preschool options for families, depending on their income levels.
You can use this tool or this tool to see what programs are available in your neighborhood. And use this calculator to check your eligibility for different programs. There are no income or employment requirements for the city’s PHLpreK program, but there are different requirements for some centers that are funded through the federal Head Start program or the state’s PreK Counts program.
It’s also important to note that some — but not all — programs provide before- and after-care services and those can come at an extra cost. If that’s important for your family, be sure to confirm with the school or provider by giving them a call or an email. Contact information should be available in the city’s program locator tool.
If you’re not sure what you’re eligible for, or want someone to answer your questions, you can call the city’s pre-K hotline: 1-844-745-7735.
What documents will I need to have?
Once you have an idea of the locations you’d prefer and you feel ready to apply, here’s what you’ll need:
- Proof of child’s age. That can be a birth certificate, valid U.S. passport, medical records, or any other form of government-issued document with your child’s birthdate.
- Proof of family residency. That can be a utility bill, driver’s license, W-2 tax form, or current lease or rental agreement.
- Proof of household income. That can be either proof of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Supplemental Security Income, a W-2 tax form, a recent pay stub, 1099 form, food assistance program documents, or a signed statement of unemployment.
- Parent or caregiver ID. A current state photo ID, driver’s license, or municipal ID would work.
For some locations, including programs at public schools, you may also need to provide:
- Child’s health insurance card.
- Child’s physical (health assessment form), immunization records, and dental form.
- Custody order or foster letter if applicable.
- Med-1 form if your child needs medication that a staff member will have to administer.
- A copy of your child’s Individualized Education Program if they have one.
OK, I’m ready! How do I apply to pre-K?
The city’s universal application is here. That application should cover any public pre-K program in the city, including those at district schools. Here’s a helpful step-by-step video for how to fill out the application. You should plan for this process to take anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes to complete.
Something new this year: You’ll have to rank your top three preferred program locations, so do your research ahead of time and come prepared with a first, second, and third choice.
The school district also has its own online application if you’re already familiar with their format and would prefer to use their system.
You can also apply in-person by bringing your documents and a filled-out application form to your chosen location at its posted hours. The city does say applying online has some perks: Your online application “acts as a receipt” according to its website. That can allow staff to pull up your application if you have questions and work through it with you.
Who do I talk to if I have questions or concerns?
The school district offers phone support for anyone with questions about the program or registration process: 215-400-4270.
The city also operates a pre-K hotline: 844-745-7735 (844-PHL-PREK). You can also email the city’s Office of Children and Families at OCFCommunications@phila.gov.
Philadelphia’s Early Learning Resource Center also provides information or guidance for the application and registration process. The center’s phone number is 1-888-461-KIDS (5437).
Carly Sitrin is the bureau chief for Chalkbeat Philadelphia. Contact Carly at csitrin@chalkbeat.org.