Definition

Publicly funded, high-quality pre-k: Includes the distinct count of PA Pre-K Counts, Head Start Supplemental Assistance Program and Child Care Works enrollments in Keystone STARS 3 and 4; Head Start; and school district pre-k.

Percentages represent total child population ages 3 to 4 served.

Early Head Start enrollments are excluded since the age is not the pre-kindergarten targeted population of ages 3 and 4 years.

Data Source

Federal Office of Head Start (prior to 2012), Pennsylvania Head Start Association, Head Start grantees, and PA Departments of Education and Human Services, Office of Child Development and Early Learning. Decennial Census.

Population estimates are provided by the Pennsylvania State Data Center and Pennsylvania Department of Health.

Notes

Prior to 2013-14, Head Start figures designated the number of slots available, not the number of children enrolled.  Throughout the year, multiple children could use one slot.

Beginning with 2013-14 data,

• the Head Start category only includes Federal Head Start data

• the Pre-K Counts category is no longer used

• the unduplicated count of children in Pre-K Counts, Head Start - State, and Child Care Works in Keystone STAR 3 or 4

Last Updated

2025-04