INDIANAPOLIS — As the summer continues, the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) is reminding Hoosier families that grants are available through the On My Way Pre-K program.
On My Way Pre-K provides free, high-quality, pre-kindergarten education for children who qualify. Kids must be 4-years-old by Aug. 1, 2022, and plan to start kindergarten in the 2023-2024 school year.
Applications opened in March, but there is still room for more kids. The FSSA is encouraging families to apply now.
"Researchers have told us for years that the biggest part of children's brain development happens before they turn 5-years-old, so there's a big push to get children into prekindergarten to help them really maximize the good that kindergarten does to them," Marni Lemons, FSSA Deputy Director of Communications, said.
To qualify, the child must live in a household with an income below 127% of the federal poverty level and parents or guardians in the household must be working, going to school, attending job training or looking for a job.
MORE: New studies reveal success of On My Way Pre-K in Indiana
A limited number of vouchers are available for children who will be 4 years old by Aug. 1, 2022, live in a household with an income up to 185% of the federal poverty level and have:
- A parent/guardian who is working, attending job training or an educational program, looking for employment or
- A parent/guardian who receives Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income benefits
Families who receive a grant may use the grant at any approved On My Way Pre-K program throughout Indiana.
"It allows families the option of choosing a school based program, a childcare center based program, a religious ministry based program or a home based program. There are more than 900 providers available around the state and they fall into all different categories," Lemons said. "If you're not sure whether you qualify for On My Way Pre-K, go ahead and apply."
More than 15,000 children have gone through the program since it began in 2015.
-
Marijuana shift at federal level could impact Indiana CBD, hemp products
The order was signed as hemp products face a possible federal ban. That ban has potential consequences for shops like The Health Club in Indianapolis.
Hoosier fans rush to Memorial Stadium for free Rose Bowl rally towel
IU prepared 10,000 Rose Bowl rally towels for fans at Memorial Stadium on Friday afternoon. The towels are the same design that Hoosier fans will receive if they attend the game in Pasadena.
WRTV Toy Drive and Salvation Army help thousands of Hoosier families
Families in need across Indianapolis this holiday season are receiving help from WRTV and The Salvation Army of Central Indiana.
IMPD seeks community assistance to locate missing 16-year-old
If you have any information on Williams, call 911 or contact the IMPD Missing Persons Unit at 317-327-6160 or call Crime Stoppers of Central Indiana at 317.262.8477 or (TIPS).
