STATEHOUSE (June 19, 2019) – Indiana families can pre-register their four-year-olds for UPSTART, a free online kindergarten-readiness program, now through Sunday, Sept. 1, said State Sen. Travis Holdman (R-Markle).
The Indiana General Assembly helped make UPSTART available in Indiana during the 2017 legislative session by passing House Enrolled Act 1004, which authorized funds for a technology-based, in-home early education program. On April 29, Gov. Holcomb signed House Enrolled Act 1001, which renewed the program for two more years.
Through UPSTART, children are taught early reading, math and science through instructional hours, lessons, activities, books and animated songs. Participants follow their own personalized learning path, but must use the program at least 30 minutes a day, five days a week the year before entering kindergarten.
“Upstart provides children with the essential tools needed to begin kindergarten and offers families resources to support their child’s success free of charge,” Holdman said. “This program has helped children overcome hurdles, and I encourage applicable families to pre-register their child.”
Families without internet or computer access are provided with a Chromebook and satellite internet. Additionally, families are partnered with a personal care representative who monitors each child’s progress. Access to live help by phone or email is available six days a week.
Applicable children must have been born between Aug. 2, 2014, and Aug. 1, 2015, must live in an eligible county, and must start kindergarten in 2020. To qualify:
• A family of two must have an annual income of $20,625 or less;
• A family of three must have an annual income of $25,933 or less;
• A family of four must have an annual income of $31,242 or less;
• A family of five must have an annual income of $36,551 or less;
• A family of six must have an annual income of $41,859 or less;
• A family of seven must have an annual income of $47,168 or less; and
• A family of eight must have an annual income of $52,476 or less.
Eligible counties in Senate District 19 include Adams, Blackford, Jay and Wells counties.
For more information on UPSTART and to find out if your family qualifies, visit waterfordupstart.org/how-it-works/ or call 800-669-4533.
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Click here for a high-resolution photo of Holdman.
