What are the qualifications for free public preK?

Question

There's an Elementary School near by and I heard they have a Public free Pre-K program for 3 years olds and 4 year olds. My son is 2-years-old and wonder what the qualifications are for these programs. Do you usually have to be really poor? It sounds like my son doesn't have a chance in h**l. What are the qualifications usually?

Answer 1

It depends on the program.  Head Start has income requirements.  Some schools require that you have income requirements or be "at risk."  Some schools don't have those requirements.

Answer 2

If the program is through the school it is proubably not income based.  If it is a government program like Head Start then it is income based.  However there are exceptions to head starts income restrictions which are: developmental or physical disabilities or special needs(including speach, weight problems ect.), english is not thier first language, availability. Even if you do not meet any of the qualifications if there is room you can still enroll your child.

But....why would you want to.  If you can afford to pay for preschool you should so that you do not take the opportunity away from those who can't.

Mandi

Former President of Head Start Branch in Colorado

Answer 3

Pre-K in my area is for children who are NOT Head Start qualified!  You better call the school and find out what the rules are in your area, because if it's the same as it is in PA, you'll want to apply when his age is within their guidelines.  Here, as long as the child is 4 before the cut off date, and not Head Start qualified, they are qualified.