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.
-
Secretary of State Morales accused of using state resources for campaign video
Marion County Election Board accuses Secretary of State Diego Morales of using state resources to film a campaign video, which he denies.
Free seeds and expert tips: How to begin your spring garden indoors
Starting seeds indoors compared to starting them outdoors later this year will give your garden a longer harvest season.
Johnson Co Coroner's Office releases more details about man found in ditch
The Greenwood Police and the Johnson County Coroner's Office are investigating after an unidentified body was found in a drainage ditch on Friday.
Pacers celebrate Read Across America at Stout Field Elementary
Fourth graders at Stout Field Elementary School were all smiles Friday when members of the Indiana Pacers organization stopped by to read books, play games and give out prizes.
