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Pre-K Counts Program » Pre-K Program Overview

Pre-K Program Overview

 

Pre-Kindergarten Program:

The Chestnut Ridge School District is proud to offer a high-quality Pre-Kindergarten (PreK) program for young learners. Our Pre-K classrooms are part of Pennsylvania’s Pre-K Counts initiative, established under former Governor Ed Rendell’s early childhood education program. Chestnut Ridge School District was one of the original programs selected for this initiative, funded through the state’s $73 million Pre-K Counts program. Our classrooms first opened in October 2007 and are located at Central Elementary School.

Pre-K Counts funding allows the district to provide a rich preschool experience for 34 four-year-old children each year. Students who meet income eligibility guidelines may attend, and families do not need to live in the Chestnut Ridge School District to apply.

Our Mission:

The mission of the Chestnut Ridge Pre-K Program is to provide a safe, nurturing, and creative environment where each child’s incredible capacity to learn is supported through play, kindness, patience, and courtesy.

Program Goals:

Our goal is to build a strong partnership between families and school to support the development of the social, intellectual, physical, and emotional skills children need for future success.

Program Objectives:

The Chestnut Ridge Pre-K Program is designed to:

  • Provide meaningful opportunities for interaction among teachers, parents, children, and the community

  • Foster individuality, creativity, and thinking skills based on the Pennsylvania Early Learning Standards

  • Help children develop age-appropriate social skills through structured play and positive modeling

  • Encourage healthy habits, personal responsibility, and safety awareness

  • Build independence, self-worth, confidence, and self-control in every child

Technology in PreK:

We recognize that children are growing up in a rapidly changing digital world. Technology can be a positive and powerful learning tool when used appropriately. Children are given opportunities to develop early digital literacy and technology-handling skills in ways that support social, academic, motor, and language development. Technology is used to enhance learning and never replaces meaningful interaction with teachers or peers. We view technology use as a collaborative effort between the teacher, family, and child.

General Information About Chestnut Ridge Pre-K:

  • Chestnut Ridge Pre-K has earned Exemplary (Perfect) ratings from the Office of Child Development and Early Learning for nine consecutive years (2016–2025)

  • Both Pre-K teachers are certified in Early Childhood Education and hold Master’s Degrees

  • Paraprofessionals have many years of experience working with young children

  • Our staff-to-student ratio exceeds the state-mandated 1:10 ratio, with an additional paraprofessional supporting the program

  • Lessons are planned using the Pennsylvania Early Learning Standards

  • Free health, dental, vision, and hearing screenings are provided

  • A school nurse is available daily to support student health needs

  • Children must be 4 years old by September 1, 2026

  • Pre-K is a full-day program, held five days a week

  • The program follows the Chestnut Ridge School District calendar for 180 days

  • Approximately two additional virtual student days may be added and will be announced in advance

  • Families do not need to live in the district to apply; however, district residents receive priority if a waitlist occurs

  • All Pre-K classrooms are located at Central Elementary School

  • Generous income guidelines are used for eligibility

  • Transportation is provided to and from school

  • Nutritious breakfast and lunch are provided daily

  • Family involvement is encouraged and supported through various opportunities