From Chalkbeat Philadelphia 10/10/2025
For more than three months, Lisa Smith has operated several state-funded pre-K classrooms at Amazing Kidz Academy early learning centers in Philadelphia without being paid for those services.
More than 100 children at Smith’s preschool rely on the state’s Pre-K Counts program, which is meant to provide free early learning to lower-income families and children who may be English language learners or have special needs.
But as the state budget impasse stretches beyond 100 days, Smith and dozens of other Philadelphia providers who participate directly in the program are still waiting for funding, pushing some to consider furloughing staff and shuttering classrooms, according to advocates. Around 150 Philadelphia preschools provided Pre-K Counts seats last fiscal year, serving 5,000 students.
Read more: https://www.chalkbeat.org/philadelphia/2025/10/10/pennsylvania-budget-delay-strains-preschool-providers/