• Copy of child’s IEP
• Custody order
• Documentation of Medical Assistance
• Med-1 form if staff will need to administer medication to your child or use any medical equipment
• Foster letter
• McKinney Vento verification letter/shelter letter
• CACFP Enrollment Forms: English – Spanish

The School District of Philadelphia aligns policies and practices with the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act. Foster/Kinship care, Refugees, Asylum Seekers, and families in temporary living situations are not required to submit all documentation when applying. These families have 90 days after enrollment to submit the necessary documentation. For more details, call 215-400-4270.

• Copy of child’s IEP
• Custody order
• Documentation of Medical Assistance
• Med-1 form if staff will need to administer medication to your child or use any medical equipment
• Foster letter
• McKinney Vento verification letter/shelter letter
• CACFP Enrollment Forms: English – Spanish

The School District of Philadelphia aligns policies and practices with the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act. Foster/Kinship care, Refugees, Asylum Seekers, and families in temporary living situations are not required to submit all documentation when applying. These families have 90 days after enrollment to submit the necessary documentation. For more details, call 215-400-4270.

• A child must be at least 3 years old to enroll in PreK, but you can start the application process before they turn 3.
• If a child turns 5 years old on or before September 1st, they should be enrolled in kindergarten.
• If a child turns 5 years old on or after September 2nd, they are age-eligible for Pre-K.

There is no cost.

A child must meet the above age requirement, must reside in Philadelphia, PA, and the family must be income-eligible for the funding that is offered in the location/s of choice.

Registration can be completed online or in person.

Most parents do not have to complete a new application; a new set of CACFP lunch forms maybe required.

You will be notified by mail, by telephone call or by email of your child’s acceptance or waiting-list status within 6 weeks of submission of your child’s completed application. Notification may be delayed depending on the time of year application was submitted.

Each location has a maximum funded capacity. A waiting list is established when the number of applications exceeds the capacity.  It is possible for a child to remain on the waiting list for the entire school year. Admitting a waiting-list child to Pre-K is dependent on another child leaving the Pre-K program at a particular location. When an opening occurs, a family on the waiting list for that particular location is called.

Pre-K is a September – June program, following The School District’s school year calendar; hours may vary, by location, but general hours are:

Monday – Thursday, 8:30-3:00

Friday, 8:30-12:30

Uniforms are not a mandatory requirement for Pre-K students; however, some principals require the Pre-K children to wear the school’s uniform colors. Uniform information will be discussed at parent orientation. Children should wear comfortable clothing that will allow for active participation in program activities. Socks are to be worn at all times. Only sneakers or closed shoes should be worn. Jewelry, small beads and other fashion accessories are unsafe and must not be worn.

Pre-K employs a full-time dietitian to assess the nutritional needs of children and families. We provide FREE meals daily and accommodate all food restrictions/needs.

Transportation services through The School District of Philadelphia are not provided for Pre-K children.

Many of our locations offer before and after care. Contact our office for more information.

Yes, parents of newly enrolled children will have this opportunity during an orientation meeting that is scheduled between the parent and teacher. Parents will get one-on-one conferences with their child’s teacher throughout the year to discuss their child’s progress and any family concerns. These conferences can take place in the family’s home or at the school.

Teachers use a high-quality curriculum that meets Pennsylvania State Standards for PreKindergarten, defines best teaching practices, includes methods and materials that respect the rich cultural heritages and diverse learning styles of all our children while including activities that connect school and home.

A typical prekindergarten classroom is divided into the following learning centers: Library, Writing, Science, Math, Dramatic Play, Blocks, Art, Music, Computers, Puzzles and Games

Morning Activities

Breakfast, Circle Time, Focus – Literacy/Independent Activities, Outdoors, Story Time, Small Groups

Afternoon Activities

Lunch, Story Time, Rest Time, Snack, Story Time

Pre-K families have access to nurses, special needs coordinators, and mental health specialists to deliver comprehensive health services for children and families.

Students with IEPS are served on-site, closely coordinated with Early Intervention team. Mental health consultants are available to all centers and work closely with the family to address any concerns.

Parents, or an escort designated by parents, are required to use the escort book to sign their child into and out of the center each day. Parents, or an escort designated by parents, are required to accompany their child into the classroom. Children are only released to persons whose names appear on the center records as an escort. Escorts must show picture identification, for example, a driver’s license or employer or school ID. Escorts must be at least eighteen (18) years old.

Pre-K provides parents with many opportunities to be engaged and involved including education and cultural enrichment events, classroom participation, various program sub-committees, and program decision making.