The pool is now open for public access and private swim lessons! Learn More.

Pre-K Counts Preschool

Early Childhood Education Program in Erie and Corry, PA

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 in Erie and Corry, serving children from the surrounding school districts and community.

Now accepting applications for 2026

Please complete application.

2026 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 help children experiencing factors known to affect a child’s readiness for kindergarten such as:

Limited parent education
Limited family income
Non-English speaking or bilingual home
Developmental or behavioral challenges of child or parent
Homelessness
Other significant traumatic events

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 Classrooms

Led by highly qualified teachers with the education and expertise to teach young children
Small class sizes up to 15 full-time students
Use a curriculum aligned with the Pennsylvania Early Learning standards
Full of opportunities for children to explore, discover and actively learn
Include parents in regular observation and assessment of child’s 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.

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."

"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."

"...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."