Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts Program at Lifesteps

Lifesteps Early Education Center, located in Brighton Township, is a proud provider 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. The Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts Program provides half- and full-day pre-kindergarten education to over 11,800 children between the ages of 3 and 4 every year.

“We have had three children go through the Pre-K Counts Program at Lifesteps and our fourth child will start Pre-K Counts in the fall. We have enjoyed watching our children progress through the program, gaining confidence in school work and relationships with other children. Our children leave the Pre-K Counts Program more than ready to start kindergarten. Our daughter that just completed kindergarten, scored well above on all of her assessments throughout the school year. We are convinced that her time at Lifesteps prepared her for success in kindergarten. We would recommend the Pre-K Counts Program at Lifesteps to anyone.”
            — Sam and Dena

Unfortunately, children who enroll in kindergarten without all the skills they need often stay behind and struggle in school. Quality early education 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 requires certified teachers, has small class sizes, utilizes approved curriculums, and assesses progress of the children throughout the year. Third year 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:

• 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 sixth year of offering the Pre-K Counts Program at Lifesteps to the Beaver County community, 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 begins in March with spots open for both the morning (9:00-12:00) 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.

PA Pre-K Counts 2014 Federal Income Guidelines