Pre-K Programs

Kahn-Tineta Smith wanted to be a teacher since she was a small child, but then ‘life happened.’ A district program helped her get the certification she needed.

Starting June 3, families will be able to use one, streamlined application for the city’s free early childhood education programs. Preschool teachers will be eligible for new retention bonuses worth up to $2,000.

Children First’s proposal could mean nearly $100 million in additional aid for the city’s public schools.

Educator Sarah Budlow said the more she learned about the impact of a kid's school experience on their life and their future, the more she wanted to become a teacher.

Kenney, who will step aside early next year, hopes PHLpreK will keep expanding after mayor-elect Cherelle Parker takes over.

Philadelphia offers free pre-K, and all 3- and 4-year-olds in the city can apply. Here’s everything you need to know about the process and some obstacles you may face.

The contracts cover everything from prekindergarten and office supplies to HVAC and strategic communications.

In Philadelphia, 83% of early childhood programs are currently facing a staffing shortage and nearly 3,000 children are on a waitlist.

Advocates and others say the city’s “Read by 4th” campaign and other efforts have built a strong foundation.

This veteran preschool teacher spoke with Chalkbeat Philadelphia about teaching preschoolers to share, common misconceptions about early learners, and more. 

Mayor Jim Kenney’s proposed budget for the coming year includes funding for 300 new PHLpreK seats.

Advocates are concerned that the decline could knock students off track academically.

Researchers at Penn State find sharp disparities in quality, funding before COVID.

Advocates, parents and principals gathered Wednesday to mark the five-year anniversary of the city’s pre-kindergarten program.

The pre-K program in Pennsylvania accelerates children four to five months by kindergarten, study shows