Governor Corbett Announces More Than $9.8 Million in Pre-Kindergarten, Early Learning Grants

HARRISBURG, Pa., Oct. 7, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Governor Tom Corbett today announced that more than $9.8 million has been awarded to 32 early education providers in 27 counties across the state through the Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts program.

In July, Corbett signed into law the state budget that increased state funding for Pre-K Counts by $10 million to $97.3 million – a 12 percent increase.

"High-quality early learning programs, like Pre-K Counts, are proven to ensure at-risk children are ready to learn when they enter the K-12 education system," Corbett said.  "This funding will provide the opportunity for more Pennsylvania families to enroll their child in a pre-kindergarten program."

Pre-K Counts provides half-day and full-day pre-kindergarten services to Pennsylvania children who are: between age three and the beginning age of kindergarten; at risk of facing challenges in school; living in families earning up to 300 percent of the federal poverty level ($67,050 for a family of four); and who may be English language learners or have disabilities or developmental delays.

"Families who enroll their child in Pre-K Counts can expect a high-quality learning experience," said Acting Secretary of Education Carolyn Dumaresq.  "This investment will ensure that our children have access to well-qualified educators and quality educational programs that will ensure their future success."

Governor Corbett is committed to ensuring that parents have access to high-quality early learning programs for their children, which is why this year's budget invests a total of $374 million into early education programs – an increase of $19.5 million, or 5.5 percent, over last year.

In addition to the $97.3 million for Pre-K Counts, this year's budget also provides $237.5 million for Early Intervention – an increase of $9.5 million, or 4.2 percent, and $39.2 million for the Head Start Supplemental Assistance Program.

Since taking office, Governor Corbett has increased the state's investment in early learning programs from $302 million to $374 million – an increase of $72 million, or 24 percent.

Media contact: Tim Eller, 717-783-9802

Editor's Note: Below is the list of Pre-K Counts grantees and award amount.

Allegheny County
Pittsburgh School District, $628,800

Beaver County
HAP Enterprises Inc., $39,100

Blair County
Begin With Us Child Care and Preschool Inc., $188,640

Butler County
Lifesteps Inc., $247,530

Cumberland County
Shippensburg University, $282,960

Dauphin County
Bright Futures Learning Centers Inc., $264,860

Elk County
Cen-Clear Child Services Inc., $265,472

Huntingdon County
Huntingdon County Child and Adult Development Corporation, $141,480

Lancaster County
Owl Hill Learning Center, $130,050
Lancaster School District, $560,180
Knowledge Universe Education LLC (Kindercare Learning Centers), $86,460 (also serves Dauphin County)

Lebanon County
Lancaster-Lebanon Intermediate Unit # 13, $428,070

Lehigh County
Community Services for Children Inc. (Head Start of Lehigh Valley), $314,400
Lehigh Valley Children's Centers Inc., $503,040 (also serves Northampton County)

Luzerne County
Child Development Council of Northeastern Pennsylvania Inc., $149,340

Lycoming County
Lycoming-Clinton Counties Commission for Community Action (STEP Inc.), $70,380

Montgomery County
Montgomery Early Learning Centers (Day Care Association of Montgomery County Inc.), $157,200
Pottstown School District, $290,820

Northumberland County
Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit # 16 (Northumberland Area Head Start), $165,060

Philadelphia County
Associacion Puertorriquenos en March Inc., $157,200
Brightside Academy-Philadelphia, $580,800
Community Concern # 13 Multi-Purpose Learning Center Inc., $151,200
Philadelphia School District, $628,800
Special People in Northeast (SPIN), $154,000

Schuylkill County
Child Development Inc., $534,480

Snyder County
Snyder Union Mifflin Child Development Inc., $532,780 (also serves Mifflin County)

Tioga County
Stepping Stones Preschool Inc., $260,304

Venango County
Child Development Centers Inc., $400,860

Washington County
Community Action Southwest, $628,800 (also serves Greene County)

York County
YWCA York, $166,980
York City School District, $149,150

Westmoreland County
Private Industry Council of Westmoreland, $616,000 (also serves Beaver and Fayette counties)

SOURCE Pennsylvania Office of the Governor