FREE Pre-K can take your 3- or 4-year-old to new heights.
This is one of the most important times in your child’s brain development; what they learn in Pre-K can change the course of their life.
Kids who go to Pre-K are more prepared for reading and math in school, more likely to graduate from high school and attend college and earn more money in their careers.
You could qualify for FREE Pre-K if any of the statements below apply to your child. To find out, click the button below to take the eligibility quiz.
A quality Pre-K program will help your child learn through reading stories, singing songs, playing games, and exploring their world with their classmates — kids still get to be kids while building the foundational skills they need to be great readers and math superstars. Pre-K students also get acquainted with how school works, and they enter kindergarten with confidence!
Step 1: Find out if you qualify for free pre-K You could qualify for FREE pre-K if you are eligible. To find out, take the eligibility quiz.
Step 2: Find Schools Nearby If you qualify for free pre-K and live anywhere in Greater Houston or Harris County, there’s a free, quality pre-K program near you.
Step 3: Make A List Of Your Favorite Schools Think about your needs as a family, whether that’s half-day or full-day options, aftercare, a bus service, school meals, or programs for learning English.
Step 4: Gather Your Documents To be able to show that you meet one or more of these criteria, you’ll need to fill out some paperwork.
*No one will ask you or your child about your citizenship status. This paperwork is so that we can get you approved for free pre-K and all children and families are welcome!
Step 5: Enroll your child in pre-K! You can enroll online or call your district to enroll. In some cases, you can make an appointment to enroll in person.
Qualifying for free pre-K is based on 1) age and 2) eligibility requirements. To qualify, a child must meet age AND one eligibility requirement. You can see all of the eligibility requirements for free, public pre-K and take our eligibility quiz here.
Your child may qualify for a District Preschool Program for Children with Disabilities through a different process. Ask your school district for more information.
• There are three general types of pre-K programs: 1) Public pre-K offered by traditional school districts and charter schools 2) Head Start programs, offered by school districts and other local providers and 3) Private pre-K programs offered by childcare centers
• Plus, there is a lot of variety even within each of these programs. When making the decision that is right for your family, connect with the school, the Head Start center, or the childcare center to ask questions and learn more about the pre-K program they offer.
• Go to our “How to Enroll” page to get connected to your pre-K options
No, school districts do not ask for the immigration status of parents or children. Children born in other countries are eligible for free pre-K.
You can still enroll your child in pre-K. If your child does not have a birth certificate, you can provide one of the following documents:
