By State Sen. Mike Bohacek (R-Michiana Shores)
Early education is critical for students, as it lays the foundation for their future and teaches the skills necessary for academic and career success.
Indiana’s Office of Early Childhood and Out-of-School Learning is now accepting applications from families who may be eligible for the On My Way Pre-K program, a grant opportunity that helps ensure all Hoosiers receive a high-quality, prekindergarten education during the 2019-2020 school year.
To be eligible for a 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.
In 2014, the Indiana General Assembly approved the On My Way Pre-K pilot program with five participating counties. Due to the program’s success, it was expanded to 20 counties in 2018. Nearly 8,000 Hoosier children have attended preschool through a grant from the On My Way Pre-K program since it began in 2015.
St. Joseph County became a participating county in 2017, and this year the General Assembly passed legislation making the program available to all 92 Indiana counties, including LaPorte and Starke.
Every child deserves access to a quality education, and the On My Way Pre-K program allows Hoosiers students to jumpstart their learning and sets them up for academic success. I encourage residents in Senate District 8 to learn more about this opportunity and apply by visiting OnMyWayPreK.org.
To begin your search for a participating program near you, visit www.ChildCareFinder.IN.gov.
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For a high-resolution photo of Bohacek, click here.
