CDD begins ‘Pre-K Counts' enrollment

Milford — Families interested in enrolling their children in Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts next fall are being urged to apply now by contacting Margie Neff, the DV Area PA Pre-K Counts Family Support Specialist, for the 2008-2009 school year. “We have seen such success in Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts that the word is spreading through communities,” Education Secretary Gerald Zahorchak said. “Parents whose children will be three or four years old next fall should start thinking about pre-kindergarten enrollment now.” Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts is a state-funded initiative that enables school districts, Head Start providers, child care centers and nursery schools to deliver high-quality pre-kindergarten to more children, with an emphasis on those who are at the greatest risk of future academic failure. Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts classrooms offer qualified teachers, small class sizes, a curriculum aligned with the Pennsylvania Early Learning standards, regular assessment of the children’s progress and reporting of the program’s performance. These quality expectations will ensure that the children enrolled have a high-quality early learning experience. Eligible families include those earning 300 percent or less of the federal poverty level (such as a family of four earning $66,150), English language learners, and families of children with special needs. Children are eligible for enrollment in the program from age 3 as of Oct. 1, 2009 until the entry age for kindergarten. There is no cost to families for PA Pre-K Counts. CDD is a DVSD PA Pre-K Counts partner and is currently offering PA Pre-K Counts as a half-day program in the morning or afternoon, however an application to also offer a full-day program is pending approval. To request an enrollment application contact Margie Neff at 570-296-3992 and for more information visit www.papromiseforchildren.com.