Family YMCA of Easton, Phillipsburg and Vicinity

283 W. St. Joseph Street
Easton, PA 18042
Tel. 610.438.6210
Fax. 610.438.6212
Info: pkc@familyymca.org

Pre-K Counts Director: Crystal Messer
Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday; 7:00am-4:30pm
Ages Served: 3 & 4 Year Olds
PreK Counts is a Keystone STAR 4 Site.

Free Full-Time and Part-Time Pre Kindergarten Education
Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts, established by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, is bringing quality half-day and full-day pre-kindergarten to 11,800 3 and 4 year olds in Pennsylvania.

On Friday, August 10, 2007 Governor Rendell announced the grantees for the $75 million of grants for Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts, a high quality pre-kindergarten program targeted to children at risk of school failure. The Family YMCA of Easton, Phillipsburg & Vicinity was selected as one of four grantees in Northampton County to provide pre-kindergarten education to 3 and 4 years olds.

Pre-K Counts at the Family YMCA of Easton, Phillipsburg & Vicinity
“We are so excited to be able to open our doors to more children who can really benefit from a quality early education experience. We know there are many children in our community who are not receiving quality pre-kindergarten now, and this Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts grant will make it possible for us to provide 80 of these children with quality pre-kindergarten. Having worked in early education for 13 years, I’ve seen the difference quality early education can make to a child’s performance and outlook on life. With our Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts grant, we can afford to give these children a high quality experience” says Cheryl Tuturice, Senior Director of Child Care Services, Family YMCA of Easton, Phillipsburg & Vicinity.

YMCA Pre-K Counts Flyer (English version)
YMCA Pre-K Counts Flyer (Spanish version)

Why Does My Child Need to Attend a High Quality Pre-Kindergarten Program?
Children who come to kindergarten without all the skills they need often stay behind and struggle in school. Quality pre-kindergarten prepares children for reading and math, but also for paying attention, following directions and getting along with others. Pre-kindergarten gives children a chance to learn, become excited about school and be better students.

By enrolling your child in 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.

What Can I Expect From a PA Pre-K Counts Classroom?
Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts classrooms will:
• Have teachers with the education and expertise to teach young children;
• Use a curriculum that will help your child grow, academically and socially;
• 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 (20 students per one teacher and one aide) so that your child can have plenty of one-on-one time with the teachers.

Who Is Eligible for PA Pre-K Counts?
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 enter kindergarten
• Are at risk of school failure due to income (300% of the federal poverty level).
If your child falls into the income category, you may be eligible to apply. Families 100% of the federal poverty level are encouraged to apply for Head Start programming. Federal Poverty Guidelines can be found at http://aspe.hhs.gov/poverty/07poverty.shtml

How Much Does PA Pre-K Counts Cost?
PA Pre-K Counts is FREE to families who qualify. Additional fees apply to wrap around care.

Notification Process
Parents will be notified through mail of their status of enrollment.

How can I enroll my child in a Pre-K Counts Classroom at the Family YMCA?
The Family YMCA of Easton, Phillipsburg & Vicinity will accept enrollments for Pre-K Counts beginning March 1, 2012. Pre-K Counts Enrollment Forms may be obtained from the Family YMCA Welcome Center or downloaded below.

For more information about PA Pre-K Counts with the Family YMCA, please contact the Pre-K Counts Director, at 610.438.6210 or pkc@familyymca.org

Pre-K Counts Program Options and Rates
The Family YMCA of Easton, Phillipsburg & Vicinity will accept enrollments for Pre-K Counts beginning March 1, 2010. Pre-K Counts Enrollment Forms may be obtained from the Family YMCA Welcome Center or downloaded from the Family YMCA website.

PENNSYLVANIA PRE-K COUNTS PROGRAM