What does this measure?

The number of children ages 3 or 4 enrolled in public pre-kindergarten education programs, expressed as a percentage of all children ages 3 or 4.

Why is this important?

Early emphasis on reading, numeracy and social skills prepares children to succeed in kindergarten and lays the foundation for success throughout their educational careers.

How is our county performing?

In 2019, 20% of Berks County 3- and 4-year-olds were enrolled in a pre-kindergarten program, lower than the Pennsylvania rate of 23%. Participation in Berks has increased 10 percentage points since 2007, similar to the increase at the state level.

Enrollment in Berks County in 2019 was higher than Chester (9%), Montgomery (9%), Lancaster (14%) and Lehigh (18%) counties, but less than Lebanon (23%) and Schuylkill (22%). Of surrounding counties, Berks has seen the greatest increase (10 percentage points) in enrollment since 2007.

Notes about the data

Data are from KidsCount. Includes the unduplicated count of PA Pre-K Counts, Head Start Supplemental Assistance Program and Child Care Works enrollments in Keystone STARS 3 and 4; Head Start; public school pre-k. The Pennsylvania increase in enrollment in 2016-17 is in part driven by the creation and launch of the public PHLpreK program in Philadelphia.

There may be additional research available on this topic. Click on Reports and Resources to learn more.