Free High-Quality Preschool in Lancaster, PA
Enrollment Now Open for PA Pre-K Counts at LEEC
Finding high-quality, affordable preschool in Lancaster, PA, can be a challenge for working families. You want an environment where your child will be loved, safe, and prepared for kindergarten, but costs can often be a barrier.
At Lancaster Early Education Center (LEEC), located right in downtown Lancaster, we believe every child deserves an exceptional start. That’s why we are thrilled to offer the PA Pre-K Counts program—an incredible opportunity for eligible families to receive top-tier early education at absolutely no cost.
If you are searching for preschools in Lancaster, PA that set your children up for long-term learning success, see below if your family qualifies for this tuition-free program for the 2026-2027 school year.
What is PA Pre-K Counts at LEEC?
PA Pre-K Counts is a state-funded initiative designed to provide high-quality pre-kindergarten education to families who otherwise may not be able to afford it.
When you enroll your child at LEEC through Pre-K Counts, they receive exceptional education from our certified teachers in classrooms filled with age-appropriate learning fun—all provided by our remarkably personable staff.
Who is Eligible for Free Preschool?
If your family lives in Lancaster City or surrounding areas and meets specific income guidelines, you may qualify for FREE preschool.
-
Age Requirement: Children must be age 3 (as of Sept. 1) up to kindergarten age.
-
Program Hours: Pre-K Counts runs for 180 days per year, from 8:00 am – 1:30 pm.
Affordable Wrap-Around Care for Working Parents
We know that standard school hours don’t always align with work schedules. LEEC offers a solution for working parents. We provide wrap-around childcare (from as early as 6:30 am until 5:30 pm) for a very affordable fee. This ensures you can safely go to work and provide for your family while knowing your children are cared for all day.
2026-2027 Enrollment is Open: Spaces Are Available!
There are currently spots available in our Pre-K Counts preschool program for the 2026-2027 school year. If you’d like to apply, visit our Registraion Page.
Don’t wait—these tuition-free spots do fill up.
Eligibility is fairly generous based on family size, income, and need. If you think you might meet the requirements, we encourage you to apply today. You can view the eligibility graph below to see where your family falls based on size and income level.
To learn immediately if you qualify:
-
Contact us directly and our staff will help determine your eligibility.
More Than Just “Free Childcare”: A Foundation for Kindergarten Success
While the financial benefit is significant, the true value of the PA Pre-K Counts program at LEEC is the educational foundation it provides. We are proud to offer one of the highest quality preschools in Lancaster, PA.
We don’t just watch your children; we equip and prepare them for kindergarten. When your child attends Pre-K Counts at LEEC, they gain the skills necessary to excel in elementary school so they don’t fall behind.
Your child will benefit from:
-
Certified Teachers: Instruction from qualified, loving educators.
-
Social & Emotional Growth: Learning crucial social skills, how to pay attention, and how to follow directions in a group setting.
-
Academic Fundamentals: Early exposure to reading and math concepts.
-
The “Whole Child” Approach: As a LEEC family, you also enjoy benefits like nutritious lunches included, our beautiful downtown play yard, a convenient location, and our parent communication app.
Apply Today for Preschool in Lancaster, PA!
It is our privilege to equip as many children as possible in Lancaster City for the beginning of their school careers while supporting parents as they work to provide for their families.
If you are looking for quality preschool, reliable childcare, and want your children ready for kindergarten, find out if you are eligible for PA Pre-k Counts with LEEC today!
Ready to begin?
Holiday Activities to Enjoy With Your Preschoolers
Holidays are a fun and exciting time of year for children and their families. Whether it is learning about their own holiday traditions or those of others, it is both fun and educational to engage children in hands on learning experiences about the holidays. Children...
Meet Mr. Jose!
As we enter the month of Thanksgiving, we want to introduce you to Mr. Jose – someone we are very thankful for! Mr. Jose is our dedicated Floater Teacher who brings energy, warmth, and expertise to our preschoolers every day. His commitment to fostering growth in...
Fun Fall Activities for Preschoolers
As the we transition from summer time to fall there are many fun activities we do at Lancaster Early Education Center to engage children in the changing of seasons! We have compiled some of our favorite fall activities below that are age appropriate for preschoolers...
Meet The Teachers – Pre-K Part 1
This month, we are thrilled to introduce you to some of our dedicated Pre-K Counts teachers. At LEEC, we offer high-quality Prekindergarten education for children ages 3-5 through the Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts program. One of the key aspects of our success is our...
A day in the toddler classroom!
Time in the toddler classroom time is spent, playing, exploring and learning new skills. Play is the work of toddlers who explore their environment and engage with materials that interest them to help them in order to learn about the world and how things work....
Meet the Toddler Team!
At LEEC our secret ingredient is our amazing teachers! We celebrate our diverse team who shows up every day to support the children, families and each other! This month we would like to introduce you to the toddler team! This group of talented professionals works with...
Summertime Fun Learning and Healthy Activities for Young Children in Lancaster County, PA
As the school year comes to a close, we want to give you some great ideas to keep your children engaged, happy and healthy all summer long. At Lancaster Early Education Center, we believe that summer can be a playground for the mind and body - it doesn’t have to be a...
Conscious Discipline
At Lancaster Early Education Center, we use Conscious Discipline to support the social/emotional development of the children in our care. Our goal is to create supportive, loving environments that nurture and enrich young learners, creating a home away from home by...
Spring Time Preschool Crafts
Looking for some fun ideas to do with your preschooler this Spring? We have some great spring time creepy crawly crafts! Read below to see some of the cute spring time preschool crafts we do at Lancaster Early Education Center. Spring Time Creepy Crawlies As the...
Yo Adrian! Pickleball Fundraiser
Are you a pickleball enthusiast and love LEEC? Than the our second annual Yo Adrian! Pickleball tournament is for you! Taking place this year on Sunday, March 23, 2025 from 8am to 6pm at RCW Athletic Club – 200 Running Pump Road, Lancaster, PA 17603 – this event...
Recommended Reading for Preschoolers
Reading with preschoolers is a fun and engaging way to connect, pass time and encourage literacy skills. There are so many books to choose from it can be difficult to know where to start! Some books may say they are for children but are too lengthy or contain plots or...
Healthy Habits for Your Preschooler
As we start a new year, many of us will set goals for ourselves or focus on habits we would like to stop or start. Now is the perfect time to consider your preschooler as well! With holiday breaks and celebrations, we often see a lapse in our routines. Your child may...
Fun Activities to Keep Your Preschooler Engaged This Winter
Winter can be a difficult season for parents of preschoolers – cold temperatures, short days and winter weather can make outdoor play a rare occurrence. At LEEC, our teachers are always thinking of fun, new ways for children to play, learn and move their bodies in the...
Join Us for 2024 Jingle & Mingle!
We are bringing back our fun and festive annual holiday event this holiday season and you're invited! It's an event you won't want to miss and every ticket goes to support the exceptional programming and education Lancaster Early Education Center offers to our...
Support LEEC during the ExtraGive!
Lancaster's Biggest Day of Giving is November 22! This year during ExtraGive, remember Lancaster Early Education Center to Make a Lasting Difference! ExtraGive, Lancaster's Biggest Day of Giving is November 22, 2024, and you have so many amazing organizations to...
How to Help Your Child Transition to Preschool
Sending your little one off to preschool is a milestone that can evoke a mix of emotions! For many parents, it’s a time filled with both hope and excitement for their child’s growth and a little nervousness for their well being through this big transition. If you're...
Lancaster Early Education Center is Licensed and Accredited
The Superior Benefits of Sending Your Child to Lancaster Early Education Center Lancaster Early Education Center maintains multiple, voluntary accreditations Choosing the right facility to provide early care and education center for your child is one of the most...
Enroll your infant, toddler or preschooler for the fall!
Summer is on the horizon this time of year in Lancaster, PA - don’t let it fly by before you know where your child will spend their days this fall. We are enrolling for the 2024-2025 school year and would love to invite all parents of young children to register. If...
Enroll Your Child in Pre-K Counts 2024-2025 School Year
As a parent, you know that the first few years of your child's life are crucial for their development. Early education centers like Lancaster Early Education Center offer an excellent opportunity for young children to learn and grow in an environment that is...
Why Quality Day Care and Early Education is Important
Did you know that providing young children with a strong foundation can affect their entire lives for the better? It's true! Providing love, care, and quality education they can grasp right when their minds are growing the most sets them up for a lifetime of success....
Voted a Best Place to Work in 2023!
Lancaster News Paper (LNP) once again conducted their anonymous survey of local businesses and organizations to see how they rank in quality to their employees as a place of work. The surveys consist of topics including diversity, culture, ethics, training, pay,...
Now Offering FREE Speech Therapy
Communication Skills are Key for Child Development Communication skills are critical in shaping a child’s development - impacting their intellectual, emotional, and social growth. Many children experience speech delays which can hinder their ability to learn and...
The Best Early Education Center in Lancaster, PA
Offering The Best Early Care & Education in Lancaster, PA Lancaster Early Education Center has provided the highest quality early care and education for over 100 years! All children deserve exceptional care and education and parents deserve a place they can count...
The Best Option for Preschool & Early Education in Lancaster, PA
As parents, we know you want the best for your children. You look for the best schools, the best teachers, and educational institutions that can offer our little ones the best opportunities for growth and development. If you’re a parent in Lancaster, PA, you don’t...
Register for LEEC PA Pre-K Counts 2023-2024 Preschool
Pre-K Counts Registration for the 2023/2024 School Year Begins in March! Beginning in March Pre-K Counts registration for the 2023/2024 school year will begin! This program gets us so excited because it’s a way to offer parents who want to work to provide for their...
5 Exceptional Benefits of Your Child Attending LEEC Preschool and Care
Learn more about our quality early childhood education program! We have been providing the highest quality early care and education since 1915! We have over 100 years of experience caring for and educating young children. A Quality Choice for Education and Care for...
Holiday Concert Supporting Lancaster Early Education Center
DateTuesday, 12/13/22Time5:30pm - 8:30pmPlaceMad Chef Craft Brewing,2023 Miller Rd, East Petersburg, PA 17520Cost$40 - includes admission to Mad Chef, Holiday Concert, appetizers, dinner, and desserts!You're invited to Lancaster Early Education Center's Second Annual...
Fun Working at Lancaster Early Education Center
We put a lot of effort toward making sure Lancaster Early Education Center is a great place to work for everyone on our staff. Having fun at work is part of making our work environment the great place that it is. And it is no secret that working at Lancaster Early...
Creating Great Jobs in Lancaster, PA
If you live in or around Lancaster city in Lancaster, PA and are looking for a place to work you love and look forward to each day... Lancaster Early Education Center may be exactly what you're looking for! We take pride in creating exceptional environments not only...
Quality Child Care in Lancaster PA
Choosing care for your child is no small choice Choosing to leave your precious child in the care of someone else is a choice we know parents do not take lightly. We also realize there are options for great child care in Lancaster, PA. That's why we make it our...
Voted #1 Best Places to Work in 2021 Fun & Learning!
Every year LNP conducts an anonymous survey to local businesses and organizations to see how they rank in quality to their employees as a place of work. The surveys consist of topics including diversity, culture, ethics, training, pay, benefits, and more their website...
Now Enrolling for 2021-2022
We are now open for registrations for the 2021-2022 school calendar! If you are looking for affordable, fun, educational, high-quality child care that goes beyond daycare, a safe and encouraging place for your child, and an educational environment that also prepares...
