Did you know there are three agencies in Butler County that provide free preschool classes for children who meet the guidelines?

Pre-K Counts is a state-funded grant program available for 3- and 4-year-olds who are at risk of school failure. These risk factors consist of income, family structure, English language learners and other special needs.

The income guidelines include low- and middle-income families, such as a family of four with a household income of up to $66,150.

Butler County Children's Center has a Pre-K Counts classroom in the Center Avenue School in Butler and in the Karns City School District.

For information, call 724-287-2761 or visit www.bcccinc.org.

Lifesteps' Early Education Center has two Pre-K Counts classrooms, which are at the VA Butler Healthcare in Butler Township.

That program can be contacted by calling 724-283-1010 or by visiting www.lifesteps.net.

The SRU/SGA Preschool and Child Care Center operates two Pre-K Counts classes on the campus of Slippery Rock University. Call 724-738-2102 for information or visit www.sru.edu.

The Pre-K Counts guidelines ensure a high-quality early childhood experience for each child by requiring teachers who are certified specifically in early childhood education, a strong curriculum, family support and a classroom environment that is centered on the child.

This article was submitted by Slippery Rock University.