How to Get Free Pre-K in Philadelphia: A Parent's Guide
Finding free Pre-K in Philadelphia can feel more complicated than it should. Families often see PHLpreK, Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts, income rules, age cutoffs, and different applications before they have had a chance to decide which preschool feels right.
This guide explains the two funding options available through TYL II Preschool & Childcare, what the free school day includes, which documents to gather, and the next steps for families looking for a preschool program in West Philadelphia.
Quick answer: TYL II offers a high-quality preschool program for ages 3–5. Eligible families may receive the instructional day at no cost through PHLpreK or Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts. Funded seats are limited, and placement depends on eligibility and availability.
What Does Free Pre-K Mean?
At TYL II, the instructional preschool day runs Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. For a child placed in an eligible PHLpreK or Pre-K Counts seat, that high-quality instructional day is offered at no cost to the family.
Families who need a longer day may add Before Care from 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM or After Care from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM for an additional fee. Ask our team about the current wraparound care availability when you request a tour.
Two Free Pre-K Funding Options Available Through TYL II
PHLpreK
PHLpreK is Philadelphia's locally funded free Pre-K program. For the 2026-27 school year, children who are 3 or 4 years old by September 1, 2026 and live in Philadelphia County may apply. PHLpreK does not have an income requirement.
Families can review the current rules on the City of Philadelphia PHLpreK enrollment page and apply through the FreePhillyPreK application.
Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts
Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts provides free preschool to children who are at least 3 by their school district’s kindergarten cutoff date, are not yet eligible for kindergarten, and live in households with income at or below 300% of the federal poverty level.
Because income guidelines and required documentation can change, review the Pennsylvania Department of Education Pre-K Counts page and let the TYL II team help you confirm the current requirements.
Which Program Might Fit Your Family?
Start with PHLpreK if your child will be 3 or 4 by the school-year cutoff and your family lives in Philadelphia. There is no income limit.
Ask about Pre-K Counts if your child is between age 3 and kindergarten entry and your household may meet the income guidelines.
Apply even if you're unsure which funding source fits. The current FreePhillyPreK application may request household income so it can evaluate multiple publicly funded options.
Contact TYL II about current funded-seat availability before assuming that eligibility guarantees placement.
What Documents Should You Gather?
The current FreePhillyPreK application asks families to prepare documents in four categories. Exact requirements may vary by funding source, but gathering these items early can make the process easier:
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Proof of your child's age, such as a birth certificate, valid passport, medical record, or prior school record.
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Proof that your family lives in Philadelphia County, such as a state ID, current lease, mortgage statement, utility bill, or recent pay stub showing your address.
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Caregiver photo identification.
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Household-income documentation, such as a pay stub, W-2, 1099, benefits document, or signed unemployment statement. PHLpreK has no income limit, but the unified application may use income information to evaluate other funding options.
How to Apply for Free Pre-K at TYL II
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Check the age cutoff. For 2026-27 PHLpreK, your child must be 3 or 4 on or before September 1, 2026.
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Gather your age, residency, caregiver ID, and income documents.
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Complete the current FreePhillyPreK application and select TYL II if it appears among the current program choices. If it does not, contact TYL II and the FreePhillyPreK helpline before submitting your choices.
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Request a tour at TYL II to see the classrooms, meet the team, and ask about funded seats and extended care.
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Watch for follow-up. The TYL II team responds to tour requests within 24-48 hours and can explain the next school-specific enrollment steps.
Why West Philadelphia Families Choose TYL II
TYL II has served West Philadelphia families near the University of Pennsylvania since 1994. Our Keystone STAR 4 program combines intentional teaching with purposeful play in a diverse, welcoming community.
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A 15,000-square-foot learning center with thoughtfully organized classroom centers.
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One of Philadelphia's largest private preschool playgrounds, with space for climbing, movement, exploration, and outdoor learning.
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A 1:10 preschool teacher-to-child ratio for stronger relationships and individualized support.
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A curriculum aligned with the Pennsylvania Learning Standards for Early Childhood.
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Hands-on literacy, math, STEM, creative arts, music, movement, dramatic play, world-language exposure, and independence-building experiences.
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Partnerships with Penn Futures and UPenn Nursing.
See the TYL II facility and explore the TYL II preschool program before your visit.
Frequently Asked Questions About Free Pre-K in Philadelphia
Is PHLpreK free for every Philadelphia family?
PHLpreK does not have an income requirement. A child must meet the program's age and Philadelphia residency requirements, and a funded seat must be available.
Does Pre-K Counts have an income limit?
Yes. Pennsylvania states that eligible families generally earn no more than 300% of the federal poverty level. Providers use approved enrollment-prioritization plans and consider additional risk factors when allocating limited seats.
Are Before Care and After Care free?
The funded instructional day is 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Before Care from 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM and After Care from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM are available for an additional fee, subject to availability.
Can my child enroll after the school year begins?
PHLpreK states that families may enroll during the school year when a funded seat is available. Contact TYL II to ask about current openings and next steps.
What will my child learn at TYL II?
Children build early literacy, math, science, communication, creativity, independence, physical skills, and social-emotional confidence through hands-on learning and purposeful play.
Should I tour before I apply?
You can begin the public funding application at any time, but a tour is the best way to understand the daily environment, ask about availability, and decide whether TYL II fits your family.
See TYL II Preschool & Childcare in person!
Tours are available Monday through Friday from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Request a tour at TYL II, and our team will follow up within 24-48 hours to help you plan your visit and ask about current free Pre-K seats.
Program eligibility, documents, funding, and seat availability are determined by the applicable public program and provider. Review the linked official resources for current requirements.