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High-quality preschool at NO COST to qualifying families.

Pre-K Counts Applications Now Accepted Year Round. The PA Pre-K Counts program makes quality pre-kindergarten programs available to Pennsylvania residents at no cost to qualifying families.
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  • Full-day program
  • Meals and snacks included
  • Kindergarten readiness
  • Caring, qualified teachers
  • Multiple locations throughout Erie County

What Your Child Gets

Pre-K is a critical step in your child's journey.

Our program combines a research-based curriculum, certified teachers, family engagement and hands-on learning through play.
Children build important academic, social and physical skills while staying active and preparing for kindergarten and beyond.

FREE Meals & Snacks

Healthy meals and snacks are included.

Kindergarten Readiness

Children build the skills they need to enter kindergarten ready to learn.

Social-Emotional Learning

Children develop communication, problem-solving and relationship skills.

Multiple locations throughout Erie County.

  • Downtown
  • Poplar St. Early Learning Center
  • County Y in Edinboro
  • McKean
  • Northwestern
  • Summit/Robison
  • Wattsburg
  • Waterford
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No cost to eligible families.

If your child is enrolled in a Pre-K Counts program, the hours that they attend that program are free for you and your family. It is important to note that Pre-K Counts funding does not always cover a full day of child care. If your child needs after hours care, for example, you may need to pay that cost out of pocket. Check with your program director to determine what hours the program is funded by Pre-K Counts.

Am I eligible?

You are likely eligible for Pre-K Counts if:

  • Your child is between the ages of 3 and 5 as required by your local school district
  • You meet income guidelines: Your child’s eligibility to receive Pre-K Counts funding is based on your family’s size and income. To be eligible to receive Pre-K Counts funding, your total annual family income must be less than 300% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Look below to see whether you’re likely to quality for Pre-K Counts based on the number of people in your family and how much you make
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2026-2027 Income Guidelines

FAMILY SIZE MAXIMUM YEARLY FAMILY INCOME (2026)
2 $64,920
3 $81,960
4 $99,000
5 $116,040
6 $133,080
7 $150,120
8 $167,160
Each additional person +$17,040

Pre-K Counts Family Resources

Already enrolled? Below is a list of forms and resources for families already enrolled in the Pre-K Counts program.