Last Updated on January 16, 2024 by Lori Pace
Numerous studies have shown the positive effect preschool can make on children’s success in life. According to the U.S. Census, however, less than half the 3- and 4-year-olds are enrolled in either a private or public preschool. While pricing is subject to change by state, the Center for American Progress reports that the average cost of licensed, center-based preschool is $889 per month or $10,668 per year. This is more than half of a year’s income, or $18,668 per year for a household with two people at the federal poverty line ($18,310). It’s financially impossible for millions of families with low incomes. So, in order to support single moms and low-income families, there are certain organization provides support with free preschool. But where are free preschool near me?
Free Preschool Near Me
Free Preschool: Bezos Academy
Bezos Academy was founded by Jeff Bezos (Amazon CEO), and offers a full-day, tuition-free preschool in Florida, Texas, Washington. Montessori principles are used to guide the program: children have choices in what they do, keep it consistent, and focus on a child’s interests.
The preschool is open to children 3-5 years old and operates seven days a week. Eligibility depends on the household’s income, which can be up to 400% of federal poverty level. This is currently $23,030 per household. They admit eligible students using a random lottery. Register for a free account to be on the waitlist in the 2022-23 school years lottery.
Free Preschool: Early Head Start
Early Head Start, a federal preschool program for children aged 3 and under, is free to pregnant women. This program encourages parents and children to be involved in their early education. It is managed by local nonprofits and community-centered agencies as well as school districts.
Early Head Start encourages healthy living, learning and safe play and provides healthy meals and snacks for children whose families are at or below the federal poverty line. If:
- Families receive Temporary Assistance for the Needy Families (TANF), or Supplemental Security Income(SSI) benefits.
- They are placed in foster care
- Are experiencing homelessness
Free Preschool: Head Start
Head Start is a preschool program that provides free education and support for children between the ages of 3 and 5. Head Start follows the same eligibility criteria that Early Head Start. Your child may be eligible for Head Start even if your income is higher than the FPL. Use the Head Start online locator for assistance in finding your local program.
Free Online Preschool Near Me
Are you searching for online curricula or preschool programs? These options may require tuition or fees to access the materials. These virtual options are available for homeschoolers who live in rural areas or don’t feel comfortable enrolling their child in pre-kindergarten classes in person.
Creative Kids Virtual Preschool
Denise Shields, a preschool teacher, started Creative Kids Virtual Preschool. Shields was a teacher at an in-person preschool. However, COVID-19 inspired Shields to switch to online teaching. She now offers 40 lessons and 35 learning videos free of charge.
For $57, you can also purchase paid lessons for a full year. This resource is great for homeschooled students.
Growing Brilliant Online Preschool
Growing Brilliant offers preschool programs for children from 2-6 years old, both online and in person. Folsom, Granite Bay and Sacramento are all available for children ages 2-6.
Online classes cover 60+ subjects via video conference. The number of days you choose to take the class will determine how much it costs.
- Online preschool: $34 per week, two days
- $39.50 per week for three consecutive days
- $54 per week for five consecutive days
Each online class lasts 45 minutes and you have the option to choose your preferred times. A curriculum box will be sent to you with all the materials for each lesson. $35 one-time material fee This fee is ideal for children who are homeschooled or enrolled in online education.
HOMER
Homer, an early-learning program designed for children aged 2-6, claims to improve math and reading skills. There are also programs for arts, crafts and problem-solving, as well as social and emotional skills.
Learn And Play Montessori School
This school offers both virtual and in-person preschool. This preschool offers remote learning via Zoom for children aged 3-6 years. It follows the Montessori curriculum. Remote learning tuition costs $545 per month with a $50 enrollment fee.
Mighty Kids Preschool
Mighty Kids Virtual Academy uses an assessment to determine your child’s level of learning and then responds with personalized videos to help encourage learning. The preschool offers Zoom sessions that cover math, language and writing as well as reading, writing and social/emotional lessons.
Early childhood education is a field that teachers are certified in. You can also access a private Facebook group where you can interact with other parents. Plans start at $35 per month and come with a 14-day risk free trial.
Miss Humblebee’s Online Preschool
Miss Humblebee’s Academy, an online resource that has won numerous awards for parents who wish to teach their children at-home, is Miss Humblebee’s Academy. It provides a fun, educational curriculum that allows children aged 3 to 6 years old to learn at their own pace.
You can download printable resources starting at $0.10 and access them via compatible tablets or smartphones. Register now to get start at $7.95 per Month and a week for free.
Palo Alto Academy Bilingual Montessori
Palo Alto Academy Bilingual Montessori for children aged 2-6 offers online preschool and kindergarten. Plans start at $250 per Month and include both online and in-person classes at the Los Altos or Palo Alto locations. They offer classes in English and Chinese (Mandarin).
The school offers live classes as well as recording sessions, five days per week. The topics include language, math, science, geography, art, culture, music, and movement. Contact them for more information.
What You Should Know About Free Preschool?
Pre-K, Free in the U.S.?
Pre-K is currently not free in all 50 states, but there are still free options for preschool in every state. To be eligible for free programs, most require income requirements. If a program requires income of up to 20% of the federal poverty level, that means it will double the FPL for the number in your household.
Head Start and Early Head Start are need-based programs that require participants to have certain incomes or meet other eligibility requirements. American Families Plan, a Biden Administration plan, calls for a gradual rollout of universal preschool for children 3 and 4 over 10 years.
Age To Get Free Pre-K
Each organization has its own requirements regarding the age of children who are eligible for free preschool programs. Head Start may offer free preschool to qualified children aged 3-5 years.
How Biden’s Free Preschool Work
Biden’s American Families Plan, which partners with states to offer free universal preschool for all children aged 3 and 4 years old across the country, will be a part of Biden’s American Families Plan. Underserved communities are a priority. This plan will focus on quality education, small classes, and relevant curricula in inclusive and supportive classrooms. This rollout is part of a 10-year implementation plan.
President Biden’s American Families Plan will offer child care assistance.
- Financial assistance for low- and moderate-income families to ensure that child care costs are not exceeded 7% of their income
- Access to high-quality childcare is easier
- Tax cuts for families with children who have low- or middle-incomes
When fully implemented, this plan promises to save eligible households up to $13,000 on childcare costs.
