The Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts (PKC) and Head Start Supplemental Assistance Program (HSSAP) Operations Report for FY 2020-2021 from the Pennsylvania Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) is now available.

About the Report

The Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts pre-kindergarten program makes quality pre-kindergarten opportunities available to children and families across the commonwealth. Head Start programs provide comprehensive services for income eligible children from birth to entry into kindergarten, and are designed to address developmental goals for children, employment and self-sufficiency goals for adults, and support for parents in their work and child-caring roles.

The operations report is provided to the Pennsylvania General Assembly annually and shares information about program operations in FY 2020-2021.

Highlights include:

• In the 2020-21fiscal year (FY), Pennsylvania PKC assisted 20,038 students from families earning up to 300% of the federal poverty level.

• HSSAP served 5,487 children from families earning up to 100% of the federal poverty level.

• FY 2020-21 was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Both Pennsylvania PKC and HSSAP were allowed flexibility in how instruction during FY 2020-21 occurred. All providers used a blend of in-person, hybrid, and remote learning options throughout the school year, with models varying based on local and county-level COVID-19 levels, family needs, and staffing shortages.

More Information

For details, read the full report. Questions about the report can be directed to Deborah C. Wise at dewise@pa.gov.