PHILADELPHIA – Mayor Jim Kenney visited Children’s Garden in North Philadelphia yesterday to celebrate the start of the eighth program year of the city’s free, quality pre-K for three- and four-year-olds. The mayor read stories to the students and participated in a craft with them, celebrating the growth of the PHLpreK program since its launch in 2017.
Mayor Kenney Celebrates Start of New PHLpreK Program Year at North Philadelphia Early Education Center
“Philadelphia families understand that quality pre-K and childcare programs promote healthy growth and development and prepare children for success in school,” said Mayor Kenney. “This latest expansion of the City’s PHLpreK program will allow all of our great providers to continue to provide free, high-quality learning services to even more children and families in Philadelphia. I am overjoyed to see this program continue to grow and welcome new young learners every year.”
This year, PHLpreK is launching with more providers and seats than ever since its inception. With 950 seats added, the program is ready to serve 5,250 students nationwide. Children’s Garden has serviced more than 140 PHLpreK children and families since it has been in business for over 24 years. While it has operated its Hunting Park location for more than 15 years, this is the site’s first year participating in the PHLpreK program.
The mayor concluded his visit by expressing his excitement for what this new school year will bring for these young learners: “I am thrilled that we can continue providing our youngest Philadelphians with an opportunity to get a great start on their education."
