Applying to Pre-K Counts, Head Start & Bright Futures

Pre-K Counts, Bright Futures, and Head Start are free preschool programs in the city of Philadelphia open to eligible families (see below for eligibility requirements). The programs take place in various School District of Philadelphia schools and childcare centers across the city. To find a program near you, check out our Find a School tool to search for Preschool and Daycare options.

The programs follow the School District of Philadelphia’s 2021-22 School Year Calendar, running from September 2021 to June 2022. The standard hours of operation are Monday through Thursday from 8:30 AM to 3:15 PM and Friday from 8:30 AM to 12:45 PM, although those hours may vary by location. Breakfast, lunch, and an afternoon snack are provided to children every day at no cost to families. Transportation, before-care, and after-care are not provided.

Enrollment continues year round. To apply and for more information, click here for the application.

Eligibility Requirements

According to the School District of Philadelphia’s Preschool Application, the child and family must meet the following qualifications:

1. Child must be at least 3 years old on or before September 1, 2021 and not be age-eligible for Kindergarten (5 years old on or after September 1, 2021).
2. Child and family must live in Philadelphia.
3. Family must meet current income guidelines:
   

1. The completed application here. All forms are to be filled out by the parent/guardian of the child with the exception of two forms, which are to be filled out by the child’s doctor and dentist.
2. A copy of the following 5 documents:
   1. Proof of your child’s date of birth (birth certificate, court document, passport)
   2. Your child’s health insurance card
   3. Current proof of Philadelphia address in the primary parent’s or guardian’s name (utility bill, mortgage, deed, rental/lease agreement, property tax bull, notarized statement of current address)
   4. Current state or federal photo ID of the primary parent/guardian
   5. 8 current and consecutive weeks of gross income received by the primary parent, secondary parent and all children. Income to submit includes, but is not limited to, gross earnings from the following income sources: employment, self-employment, Social Security, SSI, unemployment compensation, workmen’s compensation, child support, alimony/spousal support, TANF Cash Assist from a friend or family member, retirement/pension, commission, tips, strike benefits, veteran’s benefits, scholarship/grant/stipend, military allotment, rental properties and all other sources of income
   1. Verification of SNAP Food Stamps and/or Medical Assistance benefits – submit your family’s current and complete COMPASS Report from the welfare office.
   2. Current custody arrangement..
   3. Documentation of child’s foster care or kinship care placement.
   4. Documentation of guardianship.
   5. Child’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP), Evaluation Report (ER), Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) from an Early Intervention provider (Child Link, ELWYN, ELWYN Seeds).
   6. Early Head Start letter.

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