On My Way Pre-K is Indiana’s first state-funded prekindergarten program for low-income children.

Families with children turning 4 by August 1 are invited to learn more about the program and how to apply.

What does On My Way Pre-K provide?

On My Way Pre-K awards grants to 4-year-olds from low-income families with FREE high-quality pre-K the year before they begin kindergarten. Families can choose from any approved On My Way Pre-K program.

Where will my child attend pre-K?

To find approved, early childhood providers in Johnson County that are a Level 3 or 4 on Paths to QUALITY™ — Indiana’s child care quality rating and improvement system, click here. Prekindergarten providers participating in On My Way Pre-K may include public schools, community-based programs, and private early child care centers and homes.

How do I know if my child qualifies?

• Will your child turn four years old by August 1 of the current year and plan to start kindergarten in the next school year?
• Are parents/guardians in the household working, going to school, attending a training program, or searching for employment?
• Does the child live in a household with an income below 127% of the federal poverty level?

If you check every box, apply at onmywayprek.org.

This year, a limited number of vouchers is also available for children who live in a household with an income up to 185% of the federal poverty level, and have:

A parent/guardian who is working, attending job training or an educational program, looking for employment OR

A parent/guardian who receives Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income benefits

How do I apply?

Visit onmywayprek.org to apply. Questions?

On My Way Pre-K is a program of the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) and the Office Of Early Childhood And Out-Of-School Learning (OECOSL).

• PTQ is a voluntary system. Programs can choose to participate at any level, and they can move up levels as they improve.
• PTQ uses a set of quality indicators to assess programs. These indicators measure the quality of a program in four areas:
• Curriculum and instruction
• Teaching and learning environment
• Family engagement
• Administration and management
• Providers receive feedback on their performance. This feedback can help providers improve their quality.
• PTQ provides resources and support to help providers improve their quality. These resources include training, technical assistance, and financial assistance.
• PTQ is a valuable resource for families. It can help families find high-quality programs and make informed decisions about their child's care.

If you are a family looking for high-quality early care and education in Indiana, I encourage you to use Paths to Quality Indiana. It is a valuable resource that can help you find the best program for your child.

Starting with meeting basic health and safety needs at Level One and topping out with national accreditation at Level Four, each quality level is tailored to suit the needs of licensed centers, family child care homes and unlicensed registered ministries. The system awards providers for ongoing efforts to achieve higher standards of quality.

Level 4 – National Accreditation
Level 4 programs are the highest rated programs and have demonstrated a commitment to the highest level of professionalism in high quality child care—achievement of a nationally recognized accreditation. Level 4 programs are managed by a provider or director who has volunteered to provide mentoring to others in the field.

Level 3 – Planned Curriculum
Level 3 programs have demonstrated the knowledge and skill necessary for planning appropriate activities and opportunities that lead children toward school readiness.
Level 3 programs have made a significant investment in the professional development of the staff, and they incorporate family and staff input into the program.

Level 2 – Learning Environments
Level 2 programs have demonstrated a commitment to improve program quality. They offer opportunities for children to advance their growth and development. Level 2 programs will have evidence of a consistent daily schedule, planned activities for children, and will provide relevant program information for families.

Level 1 – Health and Safety
Level 1 programs have demonstrated that they are operating in good standing and have been recognized by the state of Indiana as having met all required health and safety standards.

WHEN DECIDING WHERE TO SEND YOUR CHILD FOR CHILDCARE, IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOU DO YOUR RESEARCH ON THE QUALITY OF THE SCHOOL.