State Guide to Free Pre-K

Universal Pre-K can make childcare significantly more affordable by making a year or more of preschool free for eligible children. Some states offer universal Pre-K to nearly all 4 year-olds, while others limit free programs based on income, location, developmental needs, or the number of available seats. Even in states with universal Pre-K, enrollment may not be guaranteed, and free programs may cover only part of the school day.

This state-by-state guide explains what free Pre-K programs are available, who is eligible, and how enrollment works. Find your state below to learn whether it offers universal Pre-K, partial or income-based programs, or no state-funded Pre-K. Once you understand what your state offers, you can explore free preschool options near you and find programs that may work for your family. 

Alabama

Free Pre-K for 4-Year-Olds: Yes

Alabama First Class Pre-K

This program provides all 4-year-olds with free Pre-Kindergarten, regardless of household income. Alabama First Class Pre-K is nationally recognized for quality, as it has met all 10 of the National Institute for Early Education Research quality benchmarks for 20 consecutive years.

Program Details:

• Programs typically run for 6.5 hours a day during the school year.

• There are Alabama First Class Pre-K classrooms in every county across the state.

• Due to high enrollment, each program site hosts a lottery to enroll students.

• Each program has randomized waitlists to place children once seats become available.

Enrollment Details:

• No registration fees are required.

• Children need to be a resident of Alabama to qualify.

• To enroll your child you will need their birth certificate, proof of residence and immunization record.

Alaska

Free Pre-K for 4-Year-Olds: Partial

Although Alaska doesn't offer a statewide free Pre-K program, eligible families may still be able to access free preschool through several local and federally funded programs, including:

Head Start

• Head Start provides free early childhood education for eligible children ages 3 to 5.

• Programs may offer either half-day or full-day schedules, although operating hours vary by provider.

• The Alaska Head Start Association represents 17 independent Head Start programs across the state, each with its own enrollment process, eligibility requirements, and operating schedule.

Local School District Programs

• Some Alaska school districts offer publicly funded preschool programs.

• Eligibility and availability vary by district, and programs often prioritize children with disabilities or other qualifying needs.

Enrollment Details

• Enrollment requirements vary depending on the Head Start program, school district, or tribal program you apply to.

• Most programs require documents such as your child's birth certificate, proof of Alaska residency, and up-to-date immunization records.

• Head Start programs may also require proof of household income to determine eligibility.

Arizona

Free Pre-K for 4-Year-Olds: Partial

Arizona doesn't offer a statewide free Pre-K program for every 4-year-old. Instead, eligible families may be able to access free preschool through several state, federal, and local programs, including: 

Head Start & Early Head Start

• Provides free preschool for eligible low-income families and includes early learning, meals, and family support services.

• Programs are available through local providers across Arizona, although schedules and eligibility requirements vary by location.

Arizona Early Childhood Block Grant

• Helps fund preschool programs for children who are considered at risk or from lower-income families.

• Funding is provided to eligible school districts and charter schools, which determine how preschool services are delivered in their communities.

• Some districts also partner with licensed community preschool providers and Head Start programs.

School District Preschool Programs

• Some school districts offer free preschool for children who meet income requirements or have developmental delays, disabilities, or other qualifying needs.

• Availability and eligibility vary by district.

Quality First Scholarships

• Some eligible families may receive financial assistance to attend participating high-quality preschool programs through Quality First Scholarships.

• Scholarship availability depends on funding and participating providers.

Enrollment Details:

• Enrollment requirements vary depending on the preschool program or school district you apply to.

• Most programs require your child's birth certificate, proof of Arizona residency, and up-to-date immunization records.

• Income documentation may also be required for programs with household income eligibility.

Arkansas

Free Pre-K for 4-Year-Olds: Partial

Arkansas Better Chance (ABC) Pre-K program

This is free Pre-K available to children ages 3-to-4 by August 1 administered by The Arkansas Division of Elementary and Secondary Education.

Program Details:

• Qualifying families need to meet income requirements of 200% below the federal poverty level.

• Operates as a full-day program 

• 4-year-olds get priority and 3-year-olds may qualify if they have additional risk factors.

• Programs are offered through both public schools and community-based child care providers.

• Availability can be more limited in rural parts of the state.
  

• Your child must be 3-4 years old by August 1.

• Enrollment takes place from February through April

California

Free Pre-K for 4-Year-Olds: Yes

Transitional Kindergarten (TK)

Program Details

• Every child who turns 4 by September 1 is eligible to attend Transitional Kindergarten, regardless of family income.

• TK is free and offered through California public school districts.

• TK offers parents both full-time and part-time options; however, this depends on the provider.

• Programs generally follow the regular public school calendar and schedule, so families may still need before- or after-school care.

Enrollment Details

• Families enroll directly through their local public school district.

• To enroll your child in TK, you will need to provide their birth certificate, immunization records and two proofs of residence: a utility bill sent to your residence and a rental agreement or mortgage.

California State Preschool Program (CSPP)

Program Details

• CSPP provides free or low-cost preschool for eligible 3- and 4-year-olds from income-eligible families.

• Families who qualify based on income may also be eligible for the California State Preschool Program (CSPP).

• Many CSPP providers offer full-day and full-year programs, making them a good option for working families.

• Programs are offered through school districts, county offices of education, and participating community-based providers.

Enrollment Details

• Eligibility is based primarily on household income, although some families may qualify through other eligibility categories.

• Applicants are typically asked to provide proof of income, residency, their child's birth certificate, and immunization records.

Colorado

Free Pre-K for 4-Year-Olds: Yes

Universal Pre-K (UPK) Colorado

Colorado offers free Pre-K through Universal Pre-K (UPK) Colorado, a statewide program available to every child in the year before kindergarten. The program gives families the flexibility to choose from a variety of participating providers, including public schools, licensed community-based preschool programs, and licensed home-based providers.

Program Details

• Every child is eligible for 15 hours of free, high-quality Pre-K each week during the year before kindergarten.

• Some children may qualify for additional funded hours based on household income or qualifying factors, such as homelessness, foster or kinship care, dual language learner status, or an Individualized Education Program (IEP).

• The program uses a mixed-delivery model, allowing families to choose the participating provider that best fits their child's needs.

• Children with an Individualized Education Program (IEP) should work with their local school district or Special Education Administrative Unit (AU) to coordinate preschool placement.

Enrollment Details

• Families applying for additional funded hours may be asked to provide information about their household size, income, and any qualifying factors.

• Enrollment may include submitting documents such as a birth certificate, proof of residency, and immunization records.

Connecticut

Free Pre-K for 4-Year-Olds: Partial

Early Start CT

Early Start CT is Connecticut's statewide early childhood program that launched in 2025. It combines several previous state-funded early care and education programs into one system, making it easier for eligible families to access high-quality early learning through participating child care providers, family child care homes, Head Start programs, and public schools.

Program Details

• Early Start CT provides free or low-cost early care and education for eligible children from birth through age 5.
• Families earning up to $100,000 per year may qualify for free early childhood education, while higher-income families have family fees capped based on household income.
• Programs are available through participating child care providers, family child care homes, Head Start programs, and public schools.
• Eligibility and available spaces vary by provider and community.

Enrollment Details

• Preschool spaces are available for children ages 3 until they are eligible for kindergarten, although some providers may enroll children as young as 2 years and 8 months with approval.
• Families are typically asked to provide a birth certificate or valid passport, proof of Connecticut residency, and documentation verifying household income.
• Family fees, if applicable, are calculated using a sliding scale based on household size and income.
• Enrollment requirements and available spaces vary by provider.

Smart Start

Smart Start is a Connecticut program that helps expand preschool opportunities by funding preschool classrooms in participating public schools. Because the program is managed by local school districts, eligibility requirements, enrollment timelines, and available spaces can vary depending on where you live.

Program Details

• Smart Start increases the number of publicly funded preschool spaces available in participating public school districts.

• Eligibility requirements vary by district, with many programs prioritizing families based on household income or other local needs.

• Programs generally serve children ages 3 until they are eligible for kindergarten.

Enrollment Details

• Most districts require proof of residency within the school district and that children meet the district's age requirements.

• Some districts use screenings or lotteries when demand exceeds the number of available preschool spaces.

Delaware

Free Pre-K for 4-Year-Olds: Partial

Early Childhood Assistance Program (ECAP)

Delaware offers free Pre-K through the Early Childhood Assistance Program (ECAP), a state-funded preschool program designed for eligible lower-income families. While ECAP provides free early learning opportunities, the program serves a limited number of children each year. Many families also access publicly funded preschool through Head Start and Delaware's Purchase of Care child care subsidy.

Program Details:

• ECAP provides free Pre-K for eligible lower-income families.

• Eligibility is generally based on household income.

• The program serves several hundred children statewide each year.

• Additional publicly funded early education opportunities are available through Head Start and the Purchase of Care child care subsidy.

Enrollment Details:

• Eligibility is based primarily on household income.

• Enrollment requirements and available spaces vary by provider.

• Families may be asked to provide proof of income, residency, and their child's age during enrollment

District of Columbia

Free Pre-K for 4-Year-Olds: Yes

DC Universal Pre-K

The District of Columbia offers one of the nation's most comprehensive universal Pre-K programs, providing free preschool for both 3- and 4-year-olds regardless of family income. Families can choose from programs offered through DC Public Schools, public charter schools, and participating community-based organizations.

Program Details:

• Free, full school-day Pre-K is available for all 3- and 4-year-olds.

• Programs are offered through DC Public Schools, public charter schools, and publicly funded community-based organizations.

• Washington, DC has one of the highest preschool enrollment rates in the country.

• The district created the Early Childhood Educator Pay Equity Fund to help bring preschool teacher salaries closer to K–12 teacher pay.

Enrollment Details:

• Application timelines vary depending on the provider.

• Families are typically asked to provide proof of residency, proof of age, and immunization records.

• Enrollment is subject to available spaces at participating programs.

Florida

Free Pre-K for 4-Year-Olds: Yes

Florida Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK)

Florida's Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) Program provides free Pre-K to every eligible 4-year-old regardless of family income. Families can choose from participating public schools, private child care providers, and faith-based programs throughout the state.

Program Details:

• Every eligible 4-year-old can attend VPK at no cost.

• Families can choose between a school-year program or a summer program.

• The school-year option provides approximately 540 instructional hours, while the summer program provides 300 instructional hours.

• Many families arrange additional wraparound care because VPK operates as a partial-day program.

• Programs are offered through participating public schools, private providers, and faith-based organizations.

Enrollment Details:

• Children must meet Florida's age requirements to enroll.

• Families are typically asked to provide proof of age and Florida residency.

• Enrollment deadlines and available spaces vary by provider.

Georgia

Free Pre-K for 4-Year-Olds: Yes

Georgia's Pre-K Program

Georgia's Pre-K Program provides free preschool to every eligible 4-year-old regardless of family income. Funded by the Georgia Lottery, the program is offered through public schools and participating private providers across the state.

Program Details:

• Free Pre-K is available to every eligible 4-year-old.

• Programs operate for approximately 6.5 hours per day during the school year.

• Families can choose participating public schools or private providers.

• Georgia's program meets all 10 NIEER quality benchmarks.

• Popular locations may have waiting lists when demand exceeds available spaces.

Enrollment Details:

• Children must meet the state's age requirements.

• Enrollment requirements vary by provider.

Hawaii

Free Pre-K for 4-Year-Olds: Partial

EOEL Public Pre-Kindergarten Program

Hawaii offers free public Pre-K through the EOEL Public Pre-Kindergarten Program as part of the Ready Keiki initiative. While access continues to expand across the state, available spaces remain limited in many communities.

Program Details:

• Free public Pre-K is available through participating providers.

• Hawaii's long-term goal is to provide universal access for all 3- and 4-year-olds by 2032.

• More than 100 new Pre-K classrooms have opened since 2023.

• The program meets all 10 NIEER quality benchmarks.

• Eligible families may also receive assistance through the Preschool Open Doors (POD) program.

Enrollment Details:

• Eligibility and available spaces vary by location.

• Enrollment requirements differ between providers.

Idaho

Free Pre-K for 4-Year-Olds: No

Idaho does not currently offer a statewide funded Pre-K program for typically developing 4-year-olds. Families generally rely on federal programs, private preschool providers, or district-operated developmental preschool programs depending on their child's needs and where they live.

Program Details:

• Idaho is one of the few states without a statewide funded Pre-K program.

• Families commonly rely on Head Start, private preschool programs, or developmental preschool services for children with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).

• Preschool availability varies by community.

Enrollment Details:

• Enrollment requirements vary depending on the provider.

• Required documents differ between programs.

Illinois

Free Pre-K for 4-Year-Olds: Partial

Preschool for All (PFA)

Illinois' Preschool for All (PFA) program provides free preschool for eligible 3- and 4-year-olds throughout the state. While priority is given to children with identified risk factors, districts may enroll additional children when spaces are available.

Program Details:

• Free half-day and full-day preschool options are available.

• Enrollment priority is given to children with identified risk factors.

• Districts may enroll other children if additional spaces are available.

• Illinois is working toward universal preschool access through the Smart Start Illinois initiative.

• Access to preschool programs continues to vary across the state, particularly in suburban and rural communities.

Enrollment Details:

• Enrollment priorities are determined by each district.

• Families are typically asked to provide proof of residency, age, and immunization records.

Indiana

Free Pre-K for 4-Year-Olds: Partial

On My Way Pre-K

Indiana offers free Pre-K through the On My Way Pre-K program for eligible families. The program is available only in participating counties and is designed to help working families, parents attending school, or those participating in job training access high-quality preschool.

Program Details:

• Eligibility is based on household income and parent participation in work, school, or job training.

• The program is available only in participating counties.

• Available spaces are limited and not guaranteed.

• Families apply through a statewide application process.

Enrollment Details:

• Families may be asked to provide proof of income, employment or school enrollment, and residency.

• Available spaces vary by participating county.

Iowa

Free Pre-K for 4-Year-Olds: Yes

Statewide Voluntary Preschool Program (SWVPP)

Iowa offers free Pre-K through the Statewide Voluntary Preschool Program (SWVPP), which is available to every eligible 4-year-old in participating school districts. Nearly every district participates, making free preschool widely available across the state.

Program Details:

• Free Pre-K is available to eligible 4-year-olds regardless of family income.

• The state funds up to 10 hours of preschool each week.

• Many families combine SWVPP with Head Start, child care assistance, or private child care for additional hours.

• Programs are offered through participating school districts and community partners.

Enrollment Details:

• Enrollment requirements vary by district.

• Families are typically asked to provide proof of age, residency, and immunization records.

• Available spaces and program schedules vary by district.

Kansas

Free Pre-K for 4-Year-Olds: Partial

Kansas Preschool Pilot

The Kansas Preschool Pilot helps eligible children access free Pre-K through participating school districts across the state. The program is designed for children with qualifying risk factors and is not available statewide to every 4-year-old.

Program Details:

• Free Pre-K is available for eligible children through participating districts.

• Eligibility is based on qualifying risk factors.

• Programs are offered in participating school districts across Kansas.

• Available spaces vary by district.

Enrollment Details:

• Eligibility is determined based on the program's requirements.

• Families may be asked to provide documentation supporting eligibility.

• Enrollment timelines vary by district.

At-Risk Four-Year-Old Program

The At-Risk Four-Year-Old Program provides free preschool opportunities for children who meet specific eligibility requirements. It works alongside the Kansas Preschool Pilot to expand access for eligible families.

Program Details

• Eligibility may be based on household income, English learner status, having a teen parent, or other qualifying risk factors.

• Programs are targeted rather than universally available.

• Larger school districts generally offer more available programs.

• State leaders continue discussing ways to simplify and expand preschool access.

Enrollment Details

• Eligibility is determined locally.

• Required documents vary by district.

• Program availability depends on local funding and capacity.

Kentucky

Free Pre-K for 4-Year-Olds: Partial

Kentucky Preschool Program

Kentucky's Preschool Program provides free Pre-K for eligible children through local school districts. The program primarily serves lower-income families and children with developmental delays or disabilities.

Program Details:

• Free Pre-K is available for eligible 4-year-olds from income-eligible families.

• Children with developmental delays or disabilities may qualify regardless of household income.

• Most programs operate as half-day preschool.

• Programs are offered through local school districts.

Enrollment Details:

• Eligibility is based on household income or developmental eligibility.

• Families may be asked to provide proof of income, residency, and developmental documentation when applicable.

• Enrollment timelines vary by district.

Louisiana

Free Pre-K for 4-Year-Olds: Partial

LA 4 (Cecil J. Picard Early Childhood Program)

LA 4 provides free full-day Pre-K for eligible children through participating public schools across Louisiana. While the program serves thousands of children each year, available spaces remain limited.

Program Details

• Free full-day Pre-K is available for eligible families.

• Eligibility is generally based on household income.

• Programs are offered through participating public schools.

• Demand often exceeds available spaces, resulting in waiting lists.

Enrollment Details:

• Eligibility is based primarily on household income.

• Families may need to provide proof of income, residency, and their child's age.

• Enrollment depends on available spaces.

Nonpublic Schools Early Childhood Development (NSECD)

The NSECD Program expands access to free Pre-K through approved private and faith-based preschool providers. It helps increase the number of publicly funded preschool spaces available throughout the state.

Program Details:

• Provides free Pre-K through approved private and faith-based preschool providers.

• Eligibility requirements are similar to other state-funded preschool programs.

• Programs are available in participating communities.

• Capacity varies by provider.

Enrollment Details:

• Enrollment requirements vary by provider.

• Available spaces depend on provider capacity.

Maine

Free Pre-K for 4-Year-Olds: Partial

Maine Public Preschool

Maine continues expanding access to free public Pre-K through local school administrative units across the state. Although most communities now offer public preschool, program schedules and availability still vary by district.

Program Details:

• Public preschool is available through most school administrative units.

• Many districts offer part-day programs.

• Maine continues working toward expanding access statewide.

• Some communities use lotteries when demand exceeds available spaces.

Enrollment Details:

• Enrollment requirements vary by district.

• Families are typically asked to provide proof of age, residency, and immunization records.

Maryland

Free Pre-K for 4-Year-Olds: Partial

Blueprint Prekindergarten

Maryland offers free Pre-K through Blueprint Prekindergarten, part of the Blueprint for Maryland's Future. The program continues expanding statewide and provides free preschool for many eligible children through both public schools and participating community providers.

Program Details:

• Free full-day Pre-K is available for eligible 3- and 4-year-olds.

• Eligibility is primarily based on household income.

• Some higher-income families may pay on a sliding fee scale.

• Programs are offered through public schools and participating community providers.

• The statewide expansion continues, although budget pressures have slowed implementation.

Enrollment Details:

• Eligibility is based primarily on household income.

• Families may be asked to provide proof of income, residency, and their child's age.

• Enrollment timelines and available spaces vary by provider.

New Mexico

Free Pre-K for 4-Year-Olds: Yes

New Mexico PreK

New Mexico offers free Pre-K through New Mexico PreK, a statewide program available to all eligible 4-year-olds regardless of family income. Families can choose from participating public schools and community-based providers, with both half-day and extended-day options available in many communities.

Program Details:

• Free Pre-K is available to every eligible 4-year-old regardless of household income.

• Programs are offered through public schools and participating community-based providers.

• Families may choose between half-day and extended-day programs where available.

• New Mexico became the first state to make early childhood education a constitutional right.

• Preschool enrollment has continued to increase as the program expands statewide.

Enrollment Details:

• Families are typically asked to provide proof of age, residency, and immunization records.

• Available spaces and application timelines vary by location.

New York

Free Pre-K for 4-Year-Olds: Partial

Statewide Universal Full-Day Prekindergarten (UPK)

New York offers free Pre-K through the Statewide Universal Full-Day Prekindergarten (UPK) program. While many school districts offer free preschool, availability depends on where families live because funding is provided district by district rather than through a statewide entitlement.

Program Details:

• Free Pre-K is available in participating school districts.

• Many communities offer full-day preschool, while others continue to operate half-day programs.

• Some districts use lotteries when demand exceeds available spaces.

• Access varies considerably between urban, suburban, and rural communities.

Enrollment Details:

• Families are typically asked to provide proof of residency, age, and immunization records.

• Available spaces depend on local funding and district capacity.

North Carolina

Free Pre-K for 4-Year-Olds: Partial

NC Pre-K

North Carolina offers free Pre-K through NC Pre-K, a statewide program that serves eligible at-risk 4-year-olds. Programs are administered locally by counties, and many communities experience waiting lists because demand exceeds available funding.

Program Details:

• Free full-day Pre-K is available for eligible at-risk children.

• Eligibility is primarily based on household income.

• Programs are administered locally by counties.

• North Carolina continues to be recognized for high program quality.

• Waiting lists are common in many communities.

Enrollment Details:

• Families may be asked to provide proof of income, residency, and their child's age.

• Available spaces vary by county.

North Dakota

Free Pre-K for 4-Year-Olds: Partial

Early Childhood Education Grant Program

North Dakota provides limited free Pre-K opportunities through the Early Childhood Education Grant Program. Rather than offering a statewide preschool system, the program supports selected districts and communities.

Program Details:

• Free Pre-K is available through participating districts.

• Programs are supported through grant funding.

• Availability varies by community.

• Publicly funded preschool remains limited across the state.

Enrollment Details:

• Enrollment requirements vary by district.

• Families may be asked to provide proof of age and residency.

State-Approved District Pre-K Programs

Some North Dakota school districts also offer publicly funded preschool programs outside of the state grant program. These opportunities vary depending on the district.

Program Details:

• Programs are offered through participating school districts.

• Availability differs by community.

• Some communities also offer the Waterford Upstart kindergarten readiness program.

• Head Start and private preschool continue to serve many families.

Enrollment Details:

• Enrollment requirements vary by district.

• Required documentation differs between programs.

Ohio

Free Pre-K for 4-Year-Olds: Partial

Ohio Early Childhood Education (ECE) Grant

Ohio provides free Pre-K through the Ohio Early Childhood Education (ECE) Grant Program for eligible families. Programs are offered through participating school districts and approved preschool providers, although available spaces remain limited compared to the number of eligible children.

Program Details:

• Free Pre-K is available for eligible lower-income families.

• Programs are offered through participating school districts and approved providers.

• Many preschool programs operate as half-day programs.

• Publicly funded child care remains another important option for eligible families.

Enrollment Details:

• Eligibility is primarily based on household income.

• Families are typically asked to provide proof of income, residency, and their child's age.

• Available spaces vary by provider and community.

Oklahoma

Free Pre-K for 4-Year-Olds: Yes

Oklahoma Early Childhood Four-Year-Old Program

Oklahoma offers one of the nation's longest-running universal Pre-K programs, providing free preschool to every eligible 4-year-old regardless of family income. Most children attend programs through their local public school district, with many districts offering a full school-day schedule.

Program Details:

• Every eligible 4-year-old can attend free Pre-K regardless of household income.

• Most programs are offered through public school districts.

• Many districts provide a full school-day program.

• Lead teachers must hold a bachelor's degree and early childhood certification.

• Teachers are paid on the same salary scale as K–12 educators.

Enrollment Details:

• Children must meet the state's age requirements.

• Families are typically asked to provide proof of age, residency, and immunization records.

Oregon

Free Pre-K for 4-Year-Olds: Partial

Preschool Promise

Preschool Promise provides free Pre-K to eligible lower-income families across Oregon through participating preschool providers. The program continues expanding, although available spaces remain limited in many communities.

Program Details:

• Free Pre-K is available for eligible lower-income families.

• Programs are offered through participating providers.

• Available spaces remain limited.

• Expansion continues across the state.

Enrollment Details:

• Families may be asked to provide proof of income, residency, and their child's age.

• Enrollment depends on available spaces.

Oregon Prenatal to Kindergarten (OPK)

The Oregon Prenatal to Kindergarten (OPK) program helps eligible families access publicly funded preschool opportunities through participating providers. Like Preschool Promise, availability varies by community.

Program Details:

• Supports free preschool opportunities for eligible families.

• Programs are offered through participating providers.

• Eligibility is based on program requirements.

• Available spaces vary by location.

Enrollment Details:

• Enrollment requirements vary by provider.

• Required documentation depends on the program.

Pennsylvania

Free Pre-K for 4-Year-Olds: Partial

Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts

Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts provides free high-quality preschool for eligible families through school districts, child care centers, and participating Head Start providers. While the program serves thousands of children each year, availability varies throughout the state.

Program Details:

• Free Pre-K is available for eligible families.

• Programs are offered through school districts, child care centers, and Head Start providers.

• Eligibility is generally based on household income.

• Available spaces vary by community.

Enrollment Details:

• Families are typically asked to provide proof of income, residency, and their child's age.

• Enrollment depends on available funding and spaces.

Head Start Supplemental Assistance Program

The Head Start Supplemental Assistance Program expands access to publicly funded preschool by supporting participating Head Start providers throughout Pennsylvania.

Program Details:

• Supports additional publicly funded preschool opportunities.

• Programs are offered through participating Head Start providers.

• Availability varies across the state.

• The program works alongside Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts.

Enrollment Details:

• Enrollment requirements vary by provider.

• Required documentation depends on program eligibility.

Rhode Island

Free Pre-K for 4-Year-Olds: Partial

Rhode Island State Pre-K

Rhode Island State Pre-K provides free, high-quality preschool through participating public schools and community providers. While the program continues expanding, the number of available classrooms remains limited.

Program Details:

• Free full-day Pre-K is available through participating providers.

• The program meets all 10 NIEER quality benchmarks.

• Seats are limited throughout the state.

• Rhode Island continues working toward expanding universal access.

Enrollment Details:

• When demand exceeds available spaces, seats are awarded through a lottery.

• Families are typically asked to provide proof of residency, age, and immunization records.

South Carolina

Free Pre-K for 4-Year-Olds: Partial

Child Early Reading Development and Education Program (CERDEP)

South Carolina offers free Pre-K through the Child Early Reading Development and Education Program (CERDEP), also known as First Steps 4K. The program serves eligible families through both public schools and participating private and faith-based providers.

Program Details:

• Free full-day Pre-K is available for eligible children.

• Eligibility is generally based on household income or other qualifying criteria.

• Programs are offered through public schools and participating private and faith-based providers.

• The program has expanded statewide in recent years.

Enrollment Details:

• Eligibility is determined according to program requirements.

• Families may be asked to provide proof of income, residency, and their child's age.

• Enrollment depends on available spaces.

South Dakota

Free Pre-K for 4-Year-Olds: No

South Dakota does not currently offer a statewide funded Pre-K program. Families generally rely on Head Start, tribal Head Start, private preschool providers, faith-based programs, or a small number of district-operated preschool programs.

Program Details:

• South Dakota does not have a statewide funded Pre-K program.

• Head Start and private preschool providers serve many families.

• Some school districts offer limited preschool programs.

• Available programs vary by community.

Enrollment Details:

• Required documentation depends on the program.

• Available spaces differ by community.

Tennessee

Free Pre-K for 4-Year-Olds: Partial

Tennessee Voluntary Pre-K (VPK)

Tennessee Voluntary Pre-K (VPK) provides free full-day preschool for eligible children through participating school districts. Priority is given to children with the greatest need, although additional children may enroll if space is available.

Program Details:

• Free full-day Pre-K is available for eligible children.

• Priority is given to economically disadvantaged children and those with qualifying needs.

• Additional children may enroll if spaces remain available.

• Programs are offered through participating school districts.

Enrollment Details:

• Families may be asked to provide proof of income, residency, and their child's age.

• Available spaces vary by district.

Texas

Free Pre-K for 4-Year-Olds: Partial

Texas Public Pre-K

Texas Public Pre-K provides free preschool for children who meet at least one of the state's eligibility requirements. Programs are offered through local school districts across the state.

Program Details:

• Free Pre-K is available for eligible children.

• Eligibility may be based on household income, English learner status, homelessness, foster care, military service, or other qualifying criteria.

• Programs are offered through participating public school districts.

• Many Texas families qualify, although the program is not universal.

Enrollment Details:

• Families may be asked to provide documentation supporting eligibility.

Utah

Free Pre-K for 4-Year-Olds: Partial

Utah High Quality School Readiness Program

Utah's High Quality School Readiness Program provides publicly funded preschool opportunities for eligible children through participating providers. The program focuses on children with qualifying risk factors.

Program Details:

• Programs serve children with qualifying needs.

• Eligibility is based on program requirements.

• Publicly funded preschool opportunities remain limited statewide.

• Programs are offered through participating providers.

Enrollment Details:

• Families may be asked to provide documentation supporting eligibility.

• Available spaces vary by provider.

Vermont

Free Pre-K for 4-Year-Olds: Yes

Universal Prekindergarten (Act 166)

Vermont's Universal Prekindergarten program guarantees publicly funded Pre-K for every eligible three, four, and five year-old regardless of family income. Families can choose from participating public and private preschool providers throughout the state.

Program Details:

• Every eligible child is entitled to publicly funded Pre-K.

• Families can choose public schools, private providers, Head Start programs, or family child care homes.

• The state funds up to 10 hours of Pre-K each week.

• Vermont has one of the nation's highest preschool participation rates.

Enrollment Details:

• Families are typically asked to provide proof of residency, age, and immunization records.

• Additional hours beyond the state-funded program are the family's responsibility.

Virginia

Free Pre-K for 4-Year-Olds: Partial

Virginia Preschool Initiative (VPI)

Virginia Preschool Initiative (VPI) provides free Pre-K for eligible at-risk children through participating school divisions across the state. The program continues expanding through partnerships with community providers.

Program Details:

• Free Pre-K is available for eligible at-risk children.

• Eligibility is generally based on household income.

• Programs are offered through participating school divisions.

• Community provider participation continues to grow.

Enrollment Details:

• Families may be asked to provide proof of income, residency, and their child's age.

Mixed Delivery Program

Virginia's Mixed Delivery Program expands access to publicly funded preschool by partnering with community-based providers.

Program Details:

• Supports preschool opportunities through community providers.

• Works alongside the Virginia Preschool Initiative.

• Availability varies by locality.

• Expands family choice.

Enrollment Details:

• Enrollment requirements differ by provider.

• Available spaces depend on locality.

Washington

Free Pre-K for 4-Year-Olds: Partial

Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP)

Washington offers free Pre-K through the Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP), which serves eligible families throughout the state. Eligibility continues expanding as the state works toward guaranteeing access for all eligible children.

Program Details:

• Free Pre-K is available for eligible families.

• Eligibility is primarily based on household income.

• The state plans to guarantee access for all eligible children by 2030–31.

• Programs are offered through participating providers.

Enrollment Details:

• Families may be asked to provide proof of income, residency, and their child's age.

• Available spaces vary by provider.

Transition to Kindergarten

Transition to Kindergarten programs provide another publicly funded preschool option through participating school districts. Availability and eligibility vary by district.

Program Details:

• Programs are offered through participating school districts.

• Eligibility varies by district.

• Designed to support kindergarten readiness.

• Availability depends on local district participation.

Enrollment Details:

• Families are typically asked to provide proof of age and residency.

• Available spaces vary by district.

West Virginia

Free Pre-K for 4-Year-Olds: Yes

West Virginia Universal Pre-K

West Virginia Universal Pre-K provides free preschool for every eligible 4-year-old across all 55 counties. The program is delivered through partnerships between public schools, child care providers, private preschools, and Head Start programs.

Program Details:

• Every eligible 4-year-old can attend free Pre-K.

• Children with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) may also qualify beginning at age 3.

• Programs are offered through collaborative partnerships across all counties.

• West Virginia consistently ranks among the nation's leaders in preschool participation.

Enrollment Details:

• Families are typically asked to provide proof of age, residency, and immunization records.

• Some eligible children may remain in Pre-K for an additional year before kindergarten.

Wisconsin

Free Pre-K for 4-Year-Olds: Yes

Four-Year-Old Kindergarten (4K)

Wisconsin's Four-Year-Old Kindergarten (4K) program provides free Pre-K through nearly every public school district in the state. Many districts also partner with licensed child care providers, giving families greater flexibility.

Program Details:

• Nearly every school district offers free 4K.

• Programs are part of the public school system.

• Many districts offer half-day programs, while full-day options vary.

• Some districts partner with licensed child care centers.

Enrollment Details:

• Families are typically asked to provide proof of residency, age, and immunization records.

Wyoming

Free Pre-K for 4-Year-Olds: No

Wyoming does not currently offer a statewide funded Pre-K program for typically developing 4-year-olds. Families generally rely on Head Start, private preschool providers, or developmental preschool services for children with disabilities.

Program Details:

• Wyoming does not have a statewide funded Pre-K program.

• Developmental preschool services are available for some children with disabilities.

• Head Start and private preschool programs serve many families.

• Preschool availability varies by community.

Enrollment Details:

• Required documentation depends on the program.