Pre-K Programs

Success in School Begins with Pre-K

Program Highlights

By enrolling your child in a high quality pre-kindergarten, your child has a better chance of being ready for kindergarten and grade school. This strong early start in pre-kindergarten means they have a better chance of doing well in school, going on to college or career training, and getting a good job.

All CDFC Pre-K classrooms:

• have teachers with the education and expertise to teach young children

• use a curriculum that will help your child grow, academically and socially

• have learning centers addressing all areas of development

• regularly review your child's progress and choose teaching and learning activities that are best for your child

• help you and your child adjust to pre-kindergarten and smoothly move on to kindergarten

• offer a small class size so that your child can have plenty of one-on-one time with the teachers

The CDFC offers two Pre-K learning programs in State College and Philipsburg to serve children of all income levels:

Discovery/Philipsburg Pre-K

Families can pay the full cost of care or apply for financial assistance (go to the Financial Assistance tab above for more information).

Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts

Established by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, is bringing quality half-day and full-day pre-kindergarten to 11,000 three and four year olds in Pennsylvania.

Each program offering PA Pre-K Counts classrooms will have their own guidelines, but PA Pre-K Counts is designed for children who:

• are between age 3 and until they are eligible for entry into kindergarten

• are at risk of school failure, either because of:

• income (300% of the federal poverty level)

• language (English is a second language)

• special needs or risk factors