Pre-K Counts Preschool

Early Childhood Education Program in Erie and Corry, PA

The Barber National Institute Pre-K Counts preschool program is part of a statewide initiative to provide a high-quality preschool experience free of charge for children of qualifying families. Our Pre-K Counts classrooms are located in both Erie and Corry, serving children from the surrounding school districts and community.

Now accepting applications for Fall 2023

Please complete application.

2024 2025 BNI PA Pre-K Counts Enrollment Application

This preschool program provides full funding for each enrolled child from a financially eligible family. Please refer to the income guidelines below to determine if your family income meets the requirements for this program.

Pre-K Counts is designed to assist children who may be considered "at-risk" because of the family's economic, language, cultural, or other circumstances which may prevent the child from developing the skills necessary to enter kindergarten ready to learn. Children of qualifying families will attend full-time preschool five days per week. Funding includes both breakfast and lunch and any other costs associated with the educational program; there is no fee to parents for this program.

About Our Pre-K Counts Classrooms:

Led by highly qualified teachers with the education and expertise to teach young children
Small class sizes- no more than 15 full-time students
Use a curriculum aligned with the Pennsylvania Early Learning standards
Full of opportunities for children to explore, discover and create –learning actively
Include parents in regular observation and assessment of children’s progress and development
Build the knowledge and skills required to enter Kindergarten

Qualifying families are eligible for enrollment throughout the school year, based on availability and submission of a completed Eligibility Verification application. To submit an application, please send it to Barber National Institute, c/o Kathy Bastow, 100 Barber Place, Erie, PA 16507. For questions or more information, please call 814-878-4026. Families in Corry may reach our program located at the Corry Area Primary School by calling 814-664-4677, ext 5303.

PreK Counts at Barber National Institute

What those in our Pre-K Counts program have said:

"Without the skills and confidence they gained during their time in PA Pre-K Counts at the Barber National Institute, [Natalie and Erin] may have become two very different people. The future can be like this for all children if all of them could get this same opportunity." Read more about Natalie and Erin

"He will be going to kindergarten in the Fall and I cannot imagine what that would have been like for him without the positive support he received from being in a PA Pre-K Counts classroom." Read about PA Pre-K Counts teacher Nicole Murphy

"...From the moment we walked in, we felt so comfortable. Kyle even went and joined the class for story time and went outside to play. We decided on the spot that this was the place for Kyle, and discussed how we would help him." Read about Kyle