On Tuesday, September 20, 2022, Pennsylvania’s Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) Deputy Secretary, Tracey Campanini, had the opportunity to visit with the Claysburg-Kimmel Pre-K Counts Program in Blair County, and read a classroom favorite, “If You Give a Moose a Muffin” to children attending the program.
“Pennsylvania’s future depends on our youngest learners and the families and professionals who provide for their care and education. Something as simple and fun, like reading to young children, can contribute to the foundation of learning,” stated Campanini of her visit.
The Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts is a voluntary pre-kindergarten program established by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. It serves three and four year olds and offers half-day and full-day classes taught by teachers using a curriculum aligned to state standards.
The 2022-23 Executive Budget continues to build on the state’s investment in PA Pre-K Counts. It includes funding for PA Pre-K Counts with an increase of $60 million, total appropriation of $302.284 million to support increased program and personnel costs. The funding will assist grantees in recruiting and retaining early childhood education teachers and assistants, and will also serve an additional 2,308 children for a total of 30,421 children.
Learn more about the PA Pre-K Counts program, eligibility and how it can help your child.