Pre-K Counts
Free Preschool for Qualifying Families

Program Mission: To provide high-quality, comprehensive services to all enrolled Pre-K Counts children and their families. By forming a partnership with parents, staff, and community members, we offer services designed to promote the healthiest, safest environment in which children, families, and staff can thrive and reach their full potential.

All families are encouraged to apply.

Program Goals: Prepare and teach preschool children the school readiness skills needed to be ready for school success.

  • Foster his or her intellectual, social, and emotional growth.

  • Provide opportunities for children and families in our program that will help prepare them for future school and life successes.

  • Increase the chance of doing well in school, attending college or trade school, and having a successful career.

Who is Eligible for BCIU Pre-K Counts?

BCIU PA Pre-K Counts is designed for children who:

  • Are between age 3 (by 8/31) and the entry age for kindergarten.

  • BCIU PA Pre-K Counts is free to eligible families. Families earning up to 300% of the federal poverty level (for 2023 a family of four earning $90,000 or less).

  • The portion of the day that is funded through Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts is free to families.

Classroom Locations

The BCIU PA Pre-K Counts classrooms are in the following locations:

  • Conrad Weiser Area

  • Daniel Boone Area

  • Exeter Area

  • Hamburg Area

  • Muhlenberg Area

  • Reading Area

  • Wyomissing Area

Program Enrollment

To enroll your child, you can download the application through the link below or contact the Pre-K Counts Program at 610-987-8236 o para información en español llame al 610-987-8237.

Download Application

Return your completed application along with a current copy of your child’s immunization record, physical, and dental exam. Please also include evidence of your previous year’s income. Submitting the required documents will expedite your enrollment process. Return your completed application to:

BCIU Head Start/Pre-K Counts
Attn: Juli Schaeffer
P.O. Box 16050
Reading, PA 19612-6050

or

Fax: 610-987-8547, Attn: Juli Schaeffer

QUICK LINKS | Early Childhood Programs

Berks County Head Start

Early Intervention (EI)

Pre-K Counts

Does your child qualify?
Find out today!

Pre-K Counts Pre-Screening

Enrollment Information:
BCIU Pre-K Counts
Email Enrollment
610-987-8595

What can I expect from a Pre-K Counts Classroom?

BCIU PA Pre-K Counts classrooms will:

  • Employ teachers with the education and expertise to teach young children.

  • Allow children to participate in indoor and outdoor play daily.

  • Use a research-based 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.

  • Provide nutritious lunch and snacks daily.

  • Open five hours daily Monday through Friday from September to June.