Section 1511-D. Definitions.
The following words and phrases when used in this subarticle shall have the meanings given to them in this section unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
"Approved provider." An eligible provider that has been approved by the Department of Education to offer pre-kindergarten under this subarticle.
"At-risk child." A child who is at a risk of educational failure because of limited English proficiency, poverty, community factors, academic difficulties or economic disadvantage.
"Department." The Department of Education of the Commonwealth.
"Eligible provider." Any of the following entities if the entity complies with all quality program standards established by the Department of Education:
(1) A school district.
(1.1) An intermediate unit.
(2) A Head Start program.
(3) A nursery school licensed under the act of January 28, 1988 (P.L.24, No.11), known as the Private Academic Schools Act.
(4) One of the following:
(i) Prior to July 1, 2009, a child day care center or a group day care home that has met or exceeded the standards of STAR 2 under the Keystone STARS quality rating system established by the Department of Public Welfare.
(ii) After June 30, 2009, a child day care center or a group day care home that has met or exceeded the standards of STAR 3 under the Keystone STARS quality rating system established by the Department of Public Welfare. Any approved provider under this subparagraph which has applied for a STAR 3 rating and which application has not been approved or rejected by the department as of June 30, 2009, shall remain eligible for the program until such application is rejected.
(Def. amended July 12, 2026, P.L.220, No.20)
"Eligible student." A child who is at least three years of age and is younger than the entry age of kindergarten in the school district of residence.
"Program." The Pre-K Counts Program established under section 1512-D.
(1511-D added July 20, 2007, P.L.278, No.45)
Compiler's Note: The Department of Public Welfare, referred to in this section, was redesignated as the Department of Human Services by Act 132 of 2014.
Compiler's Note: Section 34 of Act 61 of 2008, which amended the def. of "eligible provider" in section 1511-D, provided that Act 61 shall apply retroactively to July 1 2008.