Somerset is excited to be offering PHLpreK at our center for the 2023-2024 school year!

PHLpreK is the City of Philadelphia’s FREE, quality pre-K program, offered for 3 and 4 year olds, and Somerset is proud to offer this program at our center. The best part about PHLpreK is that there are no income requirements, working requirements, so all families have the opportunity to enroll their children.

If you are looking for FREE pre-K and have a child that is between the ages of 3 and 5 years old, there are FREE pre-K programs throughout the city of Philadelphia. 

Finding The Best FREE Pre-K in Philadelphia

Many parents who reside in the city of Philadelphia pay over a thousand dollars a month per child for full time pre-K, preschool, or child care services. 

Pre-K is a little different than child care or our after school care.

Philadelphia’s free Pre-K called PHLpreK provides a safe & supportive space for children to learn and socialize. However pre-K provides additional education that can help your children to develop much-needed life skills that can best prepare them for a bright future.

ALERT: If you have a child that is currently between the ages of 3 and 5 and you reside in the city of Philadelphia, there are pre-K programs provided through the government that are 100% FREE.

Below are the need to know for Philadelphia’s FREE pre-K programs.

PHLpreK

Ages: 3-4

PHLpreK is a program provided throughout the city. It is largely funded through the city’s “soda tax”. This program is 100% free for any child who lives in the city. There are NO income limits or U.S. citizenship requirements for parents or children to qualify for this program. Social Security numbers are also not required. Your child must be 3 or 4 years old on Sept. 1 to be eligible.

 

How to Apply:

You can apply for this program directly with Somerset Academy Early Learning Center, located at 719 W Girard Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19123. Call (267) 639-9664 Now to set up a tour of the brand new state of the art facilities. Somerset Academy also offers before and afterschool care as well as a an engaging and dynamic summer camp for children.  

“I have three children and have been coming to Somerset for years.   From start I was hooked because of the professionalism of all the Staff and the caring attitude of the administration   I have been at the school many times to watch the interaction with the children and have been amazed at how well the teachers deal with all situations in their classroom with patience, grace and so much love.   I want to always mention the cleanliness of this facility.  Such a well run school I love it.   Check it out if you are looking for a place to place your child or children, you won’t regret it.” – Patricia MILLER-EVANS

“The best daycare in the north central area. All 3 of my children been going here for years and they love it there and I do too! The staff is amazing especially the director Tiffany, she has helped me beyond words with my children and looks out for them like they’re her own and that means a lot to me and Luz, she is another wonderful woman who has your best interest at heart. I definitely would recommend this school to families.” – Tomeshia Smith

 

If your child is under the age of 3, they can still qualify for free childcare through the Philadelphia Early Head Start program. The early head start program is a 100% FREE child care program that is provided by the federal government. While the PHLprek program does not have income requirements, there are income requirements for the early head start program. Currently the income requirements are up to $55,094 for a family of 8. Somerset Academy Early learning center is a proud provider of both the PHLPreK program as well as the early head start program.

 

To enroll in Philadelphia FREE Pre-K, families need to bring the following items to Somerset Academy Early Learning Center to enroll:

• 1 proof of age document
• 1 proof of Philadelphia residency document
• A completed PHLpreK application

A completed PHLpreK acknowledgement form 

You can provide any of the following documents for proof of age:

• Birth Certificate
• Department of Human Services (DHS) letter on DHS letterhead*
• Valid US Passport*
• Visa or Green Card
• Social Security documentation showing birthdate
• Clinic/doctor/hospital records*
• Day care or nursery school records
• Another government issued document listing child’s DOB

*If expired, a second form of documentation must be produced affirming the child’s age meets eligibility requirements.

You can provide any of the following documents for Proof of residency:

• State issued ID or driver’s license
• Voter ID showing address
• Current lease/rental agreement or mortgage statement
• Current Utility Bill
• Social Security Documentation
• Recent Employer pay stub
• Wage statements (W2 tax form)
• Child Care Works award letter received by parent
• Mail/notice/award letter from County Assistance Office/DHS
• Statement from social services agency attesting to client’s residence

 

Enrollment for FREE Philadelphia Pre-K is now open through the city of Philadelphia PHLpreK program. Somerset Academy Early Learning Center is proud to be a chosen provider of FREE Pre-K through this amazing city program.  PHLpreK reinforces Somerset Academy’s already high standards of care and academics by providing gold level training to all of our teachers and administrators, and the creative curriculum PHLpreK offers will provide our students with an educational  and enriching environment. If you are interested in enrolling your child in our PHLpreK program, please call 267-639-9664!