On My Way Pre-K enrollment now open

By State Sen. Jeff Raatz (R-Richmond)

Early education is critical for children, as it lays the foundation for future academic and career success.

To help ensure our youngest Hoosiers receive high-quality pre-K education during the 2019-2020 school year, theIndiana Office of Early Childhood and Out-of-School Learning is currently accepting applications from families who may be eligible for theOn My Way Pre-K grant.

TheIndiana General Assembly established the On My Way Pre-K grant as a pilot program in 2014 with five participating counties. The pilot program was expanded to 20 counties in 2017 to help more low-income families afford early childhood education.

With the passage ofHouse Enrolled Act 1628, which I sponsored during the 2019 legislative session, On My Way Pre-K program will now expand to all 92 counties in Indiana – appropriating $22 million per year in grants for low-income families to send their children to pre-K.

To be eligible for the grant, families must qualify as a low-income household, children must be four years old and starting kindergarten in the 2020-2021 school year, and parents or guardians must be working, job training or completing their education.

At this time, Dearborn, Fayette, Franklin, Randolph and Union counties have been sent recruitment emails to eligible providers; however, there are no programs currently accepting students. Wayne County has two approved On My Way Pre-K providers: Northeastern Elementary School and Oak Park Early Learning Academy.

In seasons of financial hardship, children can become at-risk of starting their academic careers behind their peers – On My Way Pre-K is committed to overcoming that. I strongly urge eligible providers in Senate District 27 toconsider applying to become an On My Way Pre-K provider to take full advantage of this great opportunity.

To learn more about how to become an On My Way Pre-K provider and/or to enroll in the On My Way Pre-K programming, clickhere or call 800-299-1627.

If you have any questions or concerns with this topic, please contact me atSenator.Raatz@iga.in.govor 800-382-9467.

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