PHILADELPHIA – On Monday, June 19, Mayor Kenney announced the launch of a new enrollment period for PHLpreK, the city’s free, quality pre-K program. The second year of PHLpreK will begin in September.

Interested families are encouraged to call (844) PHL-PREK (844-745-7735) to sign up for one of the 2,000 seats in PHLpreK-funded programs. A representative can help individuals start a PHLpreK application.

Families can also visit www.PHLpreK.org for a list of the 85+ participating pre-K programs, and contact a program directly to begin the PHLpreK enrollment process.

“Pre-K gives children a jump start on their education,” said Mayor Kenney. “It’s proven to reduce the need for special education services, raises graduation rates, and narrows the achievement gap. The benefits of pre-K are felt throughout our community as centers hire new staff and parents of enrolled students now have the time to enter the workforce. Please join me in helping to spread the word about this important opportunity for families.”

Mayor Kenney made the announcement after touring the Montgomery Early Learning Center in Point Breeze, an early learning program that will expand to include 20 new PHLpreK slots in September. Montgomery Early Learning Centers (MELC) CEO Ann O’Brien participated in the announcement.

“As an early childhood education provider for over 50 years, MELC helps families thrive by providing safe, convenient and high quality early learning opportunities,” said O’Brien. “PHLpreK expands our ability to support our community. Children will develop their cognitive, social and emotional skills that will prepare them for Kindergarten. We are also excited that PHLpreK will allow MELC to hire two new teachers.”

Councilman Kenyatta Johnson joined Mayor Kenney for the pre-K tour and enrollment launch, and praised the educational benefits of PHLpreK as well as the initiative’s value as an anti-poverty investment.