Did you know there are FREE preschool/pre-k programs for your children based on income eligibility? Below we highlight the differences between the two programs available to you (Head Start & Pre-K Counts), which are both government funded. Both of these programs have room for more children, and the providers would LOVE to answer questions and get your kiddos enrolled! Note, Danville is managed separately and has some differences in programming. Scroll to the bottom if you are in the Danville area.
Pre-K Counts managed by the CSIU
What you need to know:
- The CSIU is a nonprofit organization that is an intermediary between the PA Department of Education and school districts in the following counties: Columbia, Montour, Northumberland, Union and Synder
- CSIU manages the Pre-K Counts Programming in certain school districts (listed below)
- CSIU does NOT manage the Danville Pre-K Counts Program
- Breakfast & lunches are included
- Any questions, reach out to:
From the CSIU website:
Pre-K Counts is a high-quality preschool program that provides a solid foundation for children to learn. Children enrolled in the program are excited about school and become better students. ServicesCertified teachers use materials to help children grow academically and socially. They help children and parents adjust to school routines, which also assists with making a smooth transition to kindergarten. Pre-K Counts is a FREE program available for children who are between ages three and five (who are not yet enrolled in kindergarten). Classes are held in a school setting five days a week from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. (with some variations in time), beginning in August and ending in June. An initiative of the Pennsylvania Department of Education, Pre-K Counts is administered by the Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit (CSIU) in seven local school districts.
- Bloomsburg Area @ Memorial Elementary School
- Central Columbia @ Central Columbia Elementary School
- Line Mountain @ Line Mountain Elementary School
- Millville Area @ Millville Elementary School
- Milton Area @ Milton Area High School
- Shikellamy @ Grace S. Beck Elementary School
- Southern Columbia Area @ G.C. Hartman Elementary School
- Warrior Run @ Watsontown Elementary School
- Berwick @ Nescopeck Elementary School
Columbia County Development Program Head Start
What you need to know:
- They have centers in Bloomsburg, Berwick and Beton
- NO CHARGE for families enrolled
- Enrollment is open year round
- Any questions, reach out to:
From the CCDP Website:
Head Start is a federal program that promotes the school readiness of children ages 3 to 5 from low-income families by enhancing their cognitive, social and emotional development. Children from families whose income fall within the Department of Health and Human Services poverty guidelines are given first priority for enrollment.
Eligible children are those who turn 3 before September 1st. Head Start provides comprehensive services to enrolled children and their families that include health, nutrition, mental health, parent involvement, and social services. Head Start also provides for the special needs of children with disabilities and severe disabilities. Head Start can also help working parents obtain additional child care services when needed.
Danville Programming
The Danville Head Start and PreK Counts programs are run out of the Danville Primary school, and there are over 100 kids enrolled in these thriving programs! They serve the Montour County and the Danville Area School District.
Danville Head Start Program
The Danville Head Start website is an excellent resource for program information. Head Start is a free, income based program for 3 & 4 year olds. Child is eligible as soon as they turn 3 years old. See the program highlights below, and application link!
Danville Pre-K Counts
Pre-K Counts is also for 3 to 4 year olds, however the income requirement is 300% above the federal poverty level as compared to the Head Start program which has a 100% limit. Below are the highlights from the program, which we obtained from the Danville Pre-K Counts website:
- Teachers with a four-year degree in early childhood education and expertise in teaching young children.
- Individualized education using an accredited curriculum to help your child grow academically and socially.
- Help you and your child adjust to Pre-Kindergarten and smoothly transition to Kindergarten.
- A small class size (no more than 20 students per teacher and one assistant) so that your child can have plenty of one-on-one time.
- Parents are welcome to volunteer and be involved in all aspects of their child’s education.
- Pre-K classes are in session five days per week, five hours per day.
For more information or to apply to the program, call the number below during normal business hours.