School District Opens Pre-Kindergarten Registration
Families Encouraged to Complete Applications by February 28
PHILADELPHIA — The School District of Philadelphia is encouraging all eligible families to enroll their students in pre-Kindergarten for the 2019-2020 school year. The District is now accepting applications for the full-day, free program.
“Providing our students a quality early childhood education is key to unlocking their potential later in life,” said Dr. William R. Hite, superintendent. “Early childhood education helps our students build upon the academic, social, and emotional skills that will set them up for success. I encourage all parents to enroll their children in pre-K.”
Families should apply by Thursday, February 28, 2019 to be considered in the first round of pre-K applicants. The District’s Pre-K Office (First Floor, Suite 170) in the Education Center at 440 N. Broad St. in Philadelphia is open to accept applications from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. In addition, the office will offer extended hours from February 18 to 22 from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
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.
In addition, every Friday in January and February from 10 a.m. to noon, children enrolling in pre-K at the Education Center can take a picture with Sesame Street characters.
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; current child physical (with immunizations) and dental form.
More information about pre-K, including information about January events at District schools and a link to an application, can be found online at philasd.org/prek.