Early Childhood Education (ECE) describes programs for children ages 0-8.

• Preschool — Educational settings for children not yet in kindergarten
• Daycare — Centers without educational curriculum that care for children ages 0-3 (and after preschool hours, children ages 3-5)

HeadStart

Government-funded program that offers early education, health services, and family support to help low-income children and their families.

Pre-K Counts

State-funded program that provides quality care to children from low to moderate income families. Other publicly funded programs: Counties may use blended funding models or specialized taxes on certain goods to raise funding for preschools—for example, Philadelphia’s (PHL) soda tax for PHLpreK. 

Intermediate Units (IUs) 

Regional organizations that support schools and offer early education. They train teachers and provide tools for students who need more support. Pre-K Counts, Head Start, and IU classrooms can be in the same school but have different rules and goals.  

Private Daycares and Schools

Educational programs not controlled by government. They get money from families paying fees, donations, and other places.

Private Faith-based Schools

Educational programs managed by faith-based groups that offer preschool and daycare, and teach religious beliefs and values.

Private Home-based Daycares and Preschools

Educational and daycare programs where  a provider cares for children in their own home. Parents pay the provider.