Philadelphia's Free Pre-K Program Faces Uncertain Future

Despite enrolling over 17,000 children since 2017, the future of the PHLpreK program is uncertain with the incoming administration.

• Philadelphia's free pre-K program, PHLpreK, has enrolled over 17,000 children and hired over 500 new teachers since its inception in 2017.
• The program is funded by the city's soda tax, state's PreK Counts program, and the federal Head Start program.
• Despite the program's success, the application process has been challenging for some families, leading to plans for a more streamlined process in the coming year.
• Mayor Jim Kenney, who is leaving office, sees the establishment of PHLpreK as one of his major legacies.
• Future expansion of the program is uncertain with the incoming administration.

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