Free & Affordable Educational Child Care
PA Pre-k CountsLANCASTER, PA
No matter your income level,
you can provide your children with
quality education and care while you work!
Pre-K Counts is FREE for eligible families.
Pre-K Counts at LEEC gives your child the
highest level of care & education!
Free Preschool for Eligible Families
Concerned you can’t afford childcare or preschool? You can!
If you live in Lancaster county and are a parent who meets the eligibility requirements, you can enroll your child in Pre-K Counts for FREE – allowing you to work or attend school while helping your child thrive!
What is PA Pre-K Counts?
Pre-K Counts is a state funded Pre-K program that helps prepare 3 and 4-year-old children for Kindergarten.
PA Pre-K Counts
at Lancaster Early Education Center
When you choose Lancaster Early Education Center for your Pre-K child, you get so much more than childcare.
Lancaster Early Education Center (LEEC) provides high-quality early care and education for your child! Our teachers are highly qualified and our classrooms are equipped with age-appropriate, educational books and materials. LEEC also provides a nutritious breakfast and lunch for your child at no cost to you!
Lancaster Early Education Center provides the highest quality cared and education – setting your preschool-aged child up for success in kindergarten and beyond!
Why does High-Quality
Preschool Matter?
A child who isn’t prepared or falls behind in Kindergarten can struggle for years into their schooling! High-quality Pre-K enables children to enter Kindergarten with the social skills, and school readiness that ensures their success in school. The benefits of high quality Pre-K can be seen far beyond the first year of schooling.
Pre-K Counts gives you as a parent the opportunity to help your child thrive – not just today, but for years to come!
You can Provide Quality Education & Care While you work!
Register for PA Pre-K Counts for FREE at Lancaster Early Education Center!
Who is Eligible for Pre-K Counts?
Any child who is 3 before 9/1 of the current school year and not yet age-eligible for Kindergarten from an income-eligible family. Children with risk factors such as residing in a single-parent household, or residing in a geographic area of high poverty are prioritized for the program.
Below is the chart for eligibility for PA Pre-K Counts 2026-2027 School year
Reference and chart information can be found at: https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/federal-poverty-level-fpl/
Our Programs
Before Care & After Care
About Pre-K Counts at LEEC
Lancaster Early Education Center’s Pre-K Counts (PKC) is designed for children who are 3 years old prior to September 1st of the academic school year.
Pre-K Counts classrooms operate for 180 days during the school year, from 8 am – 1:30 pm.
If parents require before or aftercare, it can be scheduled with the center, based on availability.
PA Pre-K Counts FAQs
Have questions about Pre-K Counts? Here are answers to a few of the frequently asked questions.
What is PA Pre-K Counts and how does it work?
PA Pre-K Counts is a state-funded grant that allows a variety of providers to offer free Pre-K to eligible families.
How do I apply for PA Pre-K Counts enrollment?
Apply on our enrollment page at www.LEEC.org or call (717) 392-7413 ext. 254 for more details!
What are the income requirements for state pre-k enrollment?
Eligible families must be at 300% or below federal poverty guidelines to qualify.
What are the eligibility requirements for PA Pre-K Counts?
Eligible families must be at 300% or below federal poverty guidelines to qualify and the child must be 3 on or before September 1st of the current school year.
What are the teacher’s qualifications?
All PreK Counts classrooms have a certified lead teacher and qualified assistant. All teachers and building staff have 5 clearances and receive annual training related to working with preschool aged children.
What is a day in a Pre-K Classroom like?
Children in PreK Counts engage in various large and small group activities, free play, outdoor play and have a free breakfast and lunch. Each classroom follows a daily schedule and lesson plans.
What Curriculum is used?
LEEC uses the Creative Curriculum for preschool. This curriculum is aligned with PA state standards and focuses on hands-on, play based learning in all learning domains.
Still Have Questions?
We’d love to help! Reach out and we will answer all of your questions about our PA Pre-K Counts program.
Registration
Are You Ready to Apply?
We love welcoming new children and parents into our LEEC family and can’t wait to greet you!
1.
Register
Click any Register Now button. You’ll be directed to our Procare Parent Portal where you can enter your e-mail and complete the first step for registration.
2.
SCHEDULE A TOUR
Once we receive your registration inquiry (and if space is available), a member of our administrative team will reach out to you to follow up. A tour of our facility and a successful classroom visit are necessary to move forward with the enrollment process.
3.
ENROLLMENT PACKET
After completing step two, we will email you an enrollment packet. After you submit the enrollment packet through our online platform and pay all fees, we will finalize your child’s enrollment if space is still available.
Call with Questions
717-392-7413
Send us a Message
Our Programs
Going Above & Beyond in Learning
Enrichment Programs
We are excited to offer Storytime Art classes by Art Matters Studio.
Classes are included in regular enrollment and will happen in our Preschool classrooms on their regular schedule. Storytime art classes include a storytime followed by a mixed media art project on paper that combines drawing, painting, and/or collage!