Pre-K Program Taking Applications
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowApplications are now being accepted for the recently-approved Marion County pre-kindergarten program. It has received support from Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard, a bi-partisan group of city-county council members and several private employers. The county is also taking part in the state's pilot pre-k program along with three other counties.
You can apply by clicking here.
You can find instructions on the program by clicking here.
March 4, 2015
News Release
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – Marion County families may now submit applications for preschool education grants for the Indianapolis Preschool Scholarship Program (Indy PSP) and the State's On My Way Pre-K program. Families will fill out a single application to apply for both programs.
“Today begins a new era for Indy families,” Mayor Ballard said. “High-quality preschool will put thousands more children on a path to success. This program would not be possible without our many generous corporate and philanthropic partners and without bipartisan support from the City-County Council. Thank you to everyone who helped us get to this point.”
Families must meet the following eligibility criteria to apply:
-The family must have an income below 185 percent of the federal poverty level
-The family must reside in Marion County; and
-The child must be at least three, but younger than five years old by August 1, 2015.
Applications will be accepted until April 30, 2015. If more families qualify than there are grants available, awards will be made through a randomized lottery process to be held on or around May 4, 2015. Grants for both programs will be available beginning in the fall for the 2015-16 school year.
United Way of Central Indiana will serve as the Indy PSP program administrator, overseeing the application, outreach and evaluation processes.
“With this program, Indianapolis is poised to make huge gains for our community,” said Ann Murtlow, UWCI President and CEO. “United Way of Central Indiana is honored to build on our early commitment to and effectiveness in ensuring that our children attend the highest quality early education programs and that providers have the resources they need to achieve their highest potential. The resulting progress in the coming five years will benefit us all.”
Families that receive grants may choose from any of the eligible, enrolled high-quality preschool programs. Almost 50 preschool providers are already enrolled in Marion County, and the application process is ongoing. To qualify, programs must be top-ranked at level 3 or level 4 on Paths to QUALITYTM or accredited by an approved national or regional accrediting body. Click here for details on provider eligibility.
Approved preschool providers may be located in a public or private school, licensed child care center, licensed home or registered ministry as long as that program meets the quality requirements and is registered as an On My Way Pre-K and an Indy PSP provider. Families may choose from a program that is full-day or part-day, as well as from programs that end with the school year or continue through the summer. To search for a participating provider, visit the Provider Search page. Families who need help finding an approved preschool program can also call 1-800-299-1627 for assistance from an early learning referral specialist.
About the Indianapolis Preschool Scholarship Program
The Indianapolis Preschool Scholarship Program is the City's first ever preschool program. It provides free scholarships for children from low-income families to attend quality preschools. Children between the ages of three and four who are from families living at or below 185 percent of the Federal Poverty Level may be eligible for an Indy PSP scholarship. First priority will be given to children from families living at or below 127 percent of the Federal Poverty Level. The program, in partnership with the State’s, is expected to serve more than 1,000 Marion County children. Visit www.indypsp.org for more information.
About the On My Way Pre-K
On My Way Pre-K is the name of Indiana's first state-funded prekindergarten program, which was approved as a five-county pilot by the Indiana General Assembly in 2014. In addition to Allen, Lake, Marion and Vanderburg Counties, which are making a limited program available for about 400 children beginning in January, Jackson County will join the others and be fully-operational by the fall of 2015. The pilot program is expected to ultimately serve approximately 2,000 students in the five counties. Visit www.onmywayprek.org for more information.
Source: The City of Indianapolis