PreK Counts

Forest Hills School District is proud to announce a new, full-day Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts classroom at Forest Hills Elementary School!  This will be a pilot program.

Through a grant and partnership with the Cambria County Child Development Corporation (CCCDC), Forest Hills is expanding early childhood educational opportunities for eligible children and families in our community.  This exciting initiative is another important step in our commitment to providing high-quality early childhood education. While Forest Hills currently offers a half-day Pre-K program for four-year-old children, our new Pre-K Counts classroom will provide a full-day learning opportunity for a limited number of eligible students. Our goal is to continue expanding early childhood educational opportunities for the 2027–2028 school year and beyond.

What Is Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts?

Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts is a state-funded early childhood education program that provides eligible children with access to high-quality preschool experiences.  The program helps children develop the academic, social, emotional, and developmental skills they need to transition successfully to kindergarten.

Through a nurturing, structured, and engaging learning environment, children have opportunities to:

• Develop early literacy, language, and communication skills.

• Build foundational mathematics and problem-solving skills.

• Strengthen social skills, cooperation, and positive relationships.

• Develop independence, confidence, and classroom routines.

• Participate in age-appropriate, hands-on learning experiences.

• Build the skills and readiness necessary for a successful transition to kindergarten.

At Forest Hills, we believe that a strong educational foundation begins with our youngest Rangers!

Who Is Eligible for Pre-K Counts?

The new Forest Hills Pre-K Counts classroom will serve eligible four-year-old children.  To qualify, families must meet Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts eligibility requirements, including:

Age Eligibility

Children must meet the program's age requirements and not yet be eligible for kindergarten. Children who have reached the kindergarten enrollment age established by their school district of residence are no longer eligible for Pre-K Counts funding.

Family Income Eligibility

A family's annual gross household income must be at or below 300% of the Federal Poverty Level, based on family size.

Additional Enrollment Considerations

Because openings are limited, we may also prioritize enrollment based on additional family circumstances or educational needs.

Meeting the eligibility requirements does not guarantee enrollment.

2026–2027 Pre-K Counts Family Income Guidelines

Families with an annual gross household income at or below the following amounts may qualify for Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts.

Household Size	Maximum Annual Household Income
1 person	$47,880
2 people	$64,920
3 people	$81,960
4 people	$99,000
5 people	$116,040
6 people	$133,080
7 people	$150,120
8 people	$167,160
Each additional person	Add $17,040

These figures reflect 300% of the 2026 Federal Poverty Level, as published in the 2026–2027 Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts enrollment application.

How Is Household Income Determined?

Eligibility is based on the family's total annual gross income before taxes or other deductions.

Income may include wages, self-employment earnings, unemployment compensation, Social Security benefits, child support, and other applicable income sources.

Household size is determined using Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts guidelines and may include parents or guardians, dependent children, and other qualifying household members.

Families must provide documentation to verify household income before enrollment.

Not sure whether your family qualifies? Contact Forest Hills Elementary School. Our staff can help you understand the guidelines and application process.

How Are Students Selected?

Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts serves children and families who can benefit most from access to high-quality early childhood education.

In addition to meeting age and income requirements, enrollment priority may consider factors such as:

• Children with an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or identified developmental needs.

• Children learning English as an additional language.

• Children experiencing housing instability or homelessness.

• Children in foster care, kinship care, or the child welfare system.

• Families receiving qualifying public assistance, including SNAP, TANF, or SSI.

• Other family circumstances or developmental concerns identified through the application process.

These factors help determine enrollment priority and do not mean that a child must have one of these circumstances to apply.  All family information is treated confidentially.

Is There a Cost to Attend?

Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts is a tuition-free preschool program for eligible children.

Qualifying students enrolled in the grant-funded Pre-K Counts classroom pay no tuition.

What Are the Attendance Expectations?

Pre-K Counts is an educational program designed to prepare children for kindergarten.

Families are expected to support their child's regular attendance and notify the school when their child is absent.

Consistent attendance helps children develop positive learning habits, build relationships, and benefit fully from their preschool experience.

We will share specific classroom hours and daily schedules with participating families.

How Do I Apply?

Forest Hills School District has a limited number of openings available in its new full-day Pre-K Counts classroom.

Families interested in this opportunity should contact the District to request an application and learn more about the enrollment process.

The application process includes:

1. Requesting and completing the Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts enrollment application.

2. Providing basic information about your child and household.

3. Submitting documentation to verify household income.

4. Participating in the eligibility and enrollment review process.

5. Receiving notification regarding enrollment availability or waitlist status.

We will review applications based on program eligibility requirements, enrollment priorities, and available classroom openings.

Questions? We're Here to Help!

We are excited to welcome our youngest learners and their families to the Forest Hills Ranger Family!

For additional information, eligibility questions, or to request an application, please contact:

Jill Hoffman
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (814) 487-7613, extension 1027

Interested families are encouraged to reach out to learn more about this exciting educational opportunity.

Your Child's Future Starts Here!

At Forest Hills School District, we believe every child deserves a strong start. Through Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts, we are proud to strengthen early childhood education and help our youngest learners develop the skills, confidence, and love of learning that will support their success throughout their educational journey.