PHILADELPHIA — The School District of Philadelphia will offer extended hours at its Education Center July 15-19 for families to enroll their children in school-based, full-day, free pre-Kindergarten for the 2019-2020 school year.

“I encourage all parents and guardians to enroll their children in pre-K,” said Dr. William R. Hite, superintendent of The School District of Philadelphia. “Research shows that quality early childhood education not only boosts students’ academic achievement and leads to them being better readers and overall learners, but it strengthens their social and emotional skills as well.”

The District’s Pre-K Office in the Education Center at 440 N. Broad St. in Philadelphia will be open to accept applications from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, July 15 through Friday, July 19, 2019. Staff members will assist parents and guardians in completing applications.

To be eligible, children must be at least 3 years old on or before Sept. 1, 2019, and must not be age-eligible for kindergarten; children and families must live in Philadelphia; and families must meet current Head Start or Pre-K Counts income guidelines.

Students enrolled in pre-K will have access to wide-ranging educational curriculum; state-certified teachers; extensive health services; and free daily breakfast, lunch, and snack.

Families should bring copies of the following documents to the Education Center: proof of child’s date of birth (birth certificate, court document, or passport); child’s health insurance card; proof of Philadelphia address in the primary parent’s/guardian’s name; current state or federal photo ID of the primary parent/guardian; and eight current and consecutive weeks of gross income received by the primary parent/guardian, secondary parent/guardian and all children; proof of child’s physical (with immunizations) and dental form.

Parents or guardians should also bring the following if they apply: proof of TANF (DPW) cash, SNAP/food stamps, medical assistance, custody order, a copy of a child’s IEP, foster letter, and/or homeless verification letter/shelter letter.

More information about pre-K and a link to an application can be found online at philasd.org/prek.