Pre-K Counts

What is Pre-K Counts?

The Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts program provides free pre-kindergarten services to at-risk three- and four-year-olds and offers full day services in CVSD. This program is held in all four of CV’s elementary schools. CV is the lead agency at Fritz Elementary, Leola Elementary, and Brownstown Elementary. CV's partner agency at Smoketown Elementary is Owl Hill.

Apply below!

Resources & Information

Application

Complete the 2026-2027 Pre-K Counts Application:
- English Application
- Spanish Application
Please submit completed application to karen_sullivan@conestogavalley.org along with the following documents*:
- 1040 from (most recent filed taxes)
- Child’s birth certificate
- Immunizations
- Parent’s ID (driver’s license or PA ID)
- Two (2) proofs of CV address (dated within 30 days): utility bill and lease/mortgage.
- A physical that has been completed within the last 12 months. If you need a physical form, click here.
- If you have paperwork indicating a dental exam dated has been completed within the last 12 months, please submit that, as well. A dental form can be found here.
  * a submitted application does not guarantee enrollment in the Pre-K Counts program.
Families will be notified by end of July 2026 if they are accepted into the program for the 2026-27 school year.
If you accepted, you will be contacted by a CV staff member

Prioritization Enrollment Plan

Families are determined eligible if their income is 300 percent and below the federal poverty level and the child is 3 years old by Sept. 1 of the current school year. After verification of age and income are completed, a family will move to the second layer of prioritization based on a rating scale of 110 points. Point values are weighted and assigned based on the following criteria:

Child receiving protective services (foster or CYS): 15 points
Homeless: 15 points
Preschooler with an Individualized Education Program (IEP): 10 points
English language learner: 10 points
Child receiving behavioral supports: 10 points
Incarcerated parent: 10 points
Child enrolled in Infant Toddler Contracted Slots Program: 10 points
Migrant season student: 10 points
Education Level of parent: 5 points
Teen mother: 5 points
Child is 4 years old: 10 points
Child is 3 years old: 5 points

If slots still remain after determining points, income prioritization is used to fill the remaining slots with priority given to the lowest poverty level percentages.

FAQs

Note: Children must turn 3 or 4 by September 1, 2026. Children who turn 5 on or before September 1, 2026 will not qualify for the program.

Contact Information:

Email: Karen_Sullivan@conestogavalley.org
Phone: 717-397-2421 x0103

When will I know if my child is accepted?

Families will be notified in July each year about acceptance into the program for the upcoming school year. This usually occurs around the same time that the state budget is passed. Acceptance to the PA Pre-K Counts program is based the prioritization plan.

What are the income guidelines for the program?

Family Size	100% (Head Start Eligible)	300% (Pre-K Counts Eligible)
1	$15,650	$46,950
2	$21,150	$63,450
3	$26,650	$79,950
4	$32,150	$96,450
5	$37,650	$112,950
6	$43,150	$129,450
7	$48,650	$145,950
8	$54,150	$162,450
Each Additional	+$5,500 for each additional family member	+$16,500 for each additional family member

What can I expect from a PA Pre-K Counts classroom?

FULL DAY classes in Conestoga Valley School District (8:45 am – 3:30 pm)
Certified Teachers and CDA Certified Instructional Assistants with the education and expertise to teach young children
High-quality, evidence-based early learning curriculum and programming
Transportation available on CV elementary school busses

How are children selected for enrollment?

CVSD utilizes state-approved criteria to prioritize students for enrollment. All information completed on the 2025-2026 application is considered when making these decisions.

What if I need additional wrap-around childcare before/after PKC hours?

If your family needs child care prior to 9:00 am or after 3:30 pm, Steps to Success will provide PKC before and after school care. The costs for these extended hours of care are the parent's responsibility. Most PKC families should qualify for subsidized care from Early Childhood Resource Center (ELRC), 717-393-4004. To register for PKC before and after school care, please contact Michelle Harbaugh.

Is transportation available?

Yes, Conestoga Valley School District will bus students to and from their pre-k program. Parents are also welcome to drive their students.

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