Indiana’s Family and Social Services Administration began accepting applications Wednesday from providers interested in participating in the state’s pre-k pilot program, at the same time the department announced a new name for the program.
“On My Way Pre-K” is the moniker state officials chose for Indiana’s first state-funded pre-kindergarten program.
In order to participate, providers in the five selected counties must qualify as a Level 3 or 4 institution on the state’s "Paths to QUALITY" ranking system, as well as sign an agreement requiring them to follow minimum attendance guidelines and administer required kindergarten readiness assessments at least twice throughout the year.
The state will accept provider applications throughout the pilot program, but FSSA officials say they encourage eligible programs to apply as soon as possible.
The pilot aims to award scholarships to low-income four-year-olds in families that live in Allen, Jackson, Lake, Marion or Vanderburgh County.
The FSSA plans to release information next week regarding family applications to receive those grants.
The program will officially launch in four of the five counties in January.
