450 free preschool spots open in Bucks County. How to access United Way program now

Danielle Camilli, Bucks County Courier Times
·2 min read
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The United Way announced Friday that it would expand its free preschool program in Bucks County.

Applications are now being accepted, and here's what you need to know to register a child for the program:

Free preschool for 3-and 4-year-olds in Bucks County

Some 450 slots have opened for Bucks County toddlers to attend the United Way's early childhood education program, Pre-K Counts. The program is delivered at no cost to eligible families, according to the nonprofit. Space is available for programs in Bensalem, Bristol, Churchville, Doylestown, Holland, Langhorne, Kintnersville, Morrisville, Penndel, Southampton, and Quakertown.

Officials said they tried to ensure that no child in Bucks County would be more than 15 minutes from an expanded program.

How is the United Way Pre-K Counts program free?

The United Way announced Friday what it called an unprecedented $4.49 million expansion of its program funded by the Pennsylvania Office of Child Development and Early Learning. The funds will allow 44 percent more children to attend 16 programs in Bucks County, than did last year, officials said.

"We are absolutely thrilled to be bringing Pre-K Counts to more families," said Kristi Moreno, impact director for Pre-K Education at United Way of Bucks County, in a news release. "This funding allows us to extend our reach even further, setting a greater number of children in our community up for lifelong success.”

The United Way announced Friday what it called an unprecedented $4.49 million expansion of its program funded by the Pennsylvania Office of Child Development and Early Learning. The funds will allow 44 percent more children to attend 16 programs in Bucks County than did last year, officials said.
The United Way announced Friday what it called an unprecedented $4.49 million expansion of its program funded by the Pennsylvania Office of Child Development and Early Learning. The funds will allow 44 percent more children to attend 16 programs in Bucks County than did last year, officials said.

More: Here's why 1,200 kids are on the waiting list for child care in Bucks County

Who is eligible for free preschool in Bucks County through the United Way?

The child must be 3 or 4 years old by Aug. 31 and must live in Pennsylvania, with Bucks County children getting priority. A family's income may not exceed 300 percent of poverty line, meaning a family of four can earn up to $90,000/year. Check levels here.

Why is free, quality preschool needed in Bucks County?

The expansion comes as more families in Bucks County are financially struggling, and the cost of private preschool is increasing. The number of households that are Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed (ALICE) is increasing and now stand at 27 percent, up 12.5 percent over the past two years, according to the United Way. Another 7 percent of Bucks County households are below the poverty line, the nonprofit said.

“Pre-K Counts is absolutely crucial for ALICE. It helps kids enter Kindergarten ready to learn, but it also helps more Bucks County parents get to work. This is a win for kids, parents, employers, K-12 schools, and our whole community,” said Marissa Christie, president and CEO at United Way of Bucks County.

How to register for United Way's free Pre-K Counts preschool?

The United Way is now accepting applications for the 2023-24 school year. Officials ask interested parents to act quickly. Visit www.uwbucks.org/prekhelp as soon as possible.

This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: United Way of Bucks County expands free preschool programs