Pre-K Counts Preparing Children for the Future

Children are our future and providing them opportunities for success and growth is important to Lifesteps. At Lifesteps Early Education Center, located in Brighton Township, they provide of the Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts Program. Pre-K Counts, a pre-kindergarten program established by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, offers quality pre-kindergarten opportunities to children and families across the commonwealth.

Children who enroll in kindergarten without all the skills they need often stay behind and struggle in school. Early Education, such as Pre-K Counts, prepares children for reading and math as well as increased ability to get along with peers, pay attention, and follow directions.

The Pre-K Counts Program also requires certified teachers, small class sizes, approved curriculums, and progress assessments of the children throughout the year. Program outcomes show that Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts children are:

• Making outstanding progress throughout their participation in the program,
• Entering kindergarten ready to learn,
• Achieving in school as they continue through grade school.

The program is designed for children who are 3 or 4 years of age at the time of their home school district’s kindergarten cut-off date:

• Meet the eligibility income guidelines (a family income of equal or less than 300% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines; see chart below);
• May not speak English as a first language; and/or
• May have cultural or special needs.

In the ninth year of offering the Pre-K Counts Program at Lifesteps Beaver Early Education Center, Kristi Maggi, Supervisor of Children’s Services, has said, “It is important for families to know that they aren’t getting any less of a program because Pre-K Counts is free. This program is similar to other preschool programs with the exception of eligibility requirements.” At Lifesteps, children enrolled in Pre-K Counts are served in the same classrooms as all 3 and 4 year olds.

Registration for fall programs is now open with spots available for both the morning (8:30-11:30)  and afternoon (1:00-4:00) sessions. Tour the Lifesteps facility today to see first-hand the commitment of their staff to the future our local children. No appointment necessary. For more information on the Pre-K Counts Program, also offered at the Lifesteps Butler County Program Center, visit www.lifesteps.net or call (724) 774-6494.