Evansville to Study Expanding Pre-K

Five counties were part of the pilot launch that started in January 2015.

The city of Evansville has received an in-kind services grant from the Institute of Child Success. The more than $100,000 grant will allow the city to conduct a feasibility study on a financing model for expanding access to quality pre-K education.

The study would evaluate the Pay for Success Financing model as a way to fund the cost for more low-income children to attend pre-K. Evansville Mayor Lloyd Winnecke will serve as the city’s champion for the study, along with members of the Southwest Indiana Business Roundtable for Early Childhood Development and 4C of Southern Indiana Inc.

"We fully understand the significant need for high-quality pre-K in our community and the role that having children ready for kindergarten plays in ensuring the economic viability of our community," said Winnecke. "Preparing children for kindergarten is a critical component of having qualified workers and future talent for 21st century jobs."

The ICS says the PFS model can be technically difficult to put into practice. The city says the study will determine if PFS can be successfully implemented in Vanderburgh County.