The deadline for families to register their 4-year-olds for Indiana’s free preschool program for the 2017-18 school year is Friday.
On My Way Pre-K is a voucher program for low-income families to send their children to a high-quality preschool.
Qualifying families are able to choose from 13 preschool providers in Jackson County that are state certified Level 3 On My Way Pre-K providers.
A Level 3 out of four levels means the program has high-quality curriculum in place that supports early childhood learning and school readiness. Providers include public schools, parochial schools and daycares.
Erica Woodward, the county’s On My Way Pre-K program manager, expects to be able to announce a new provider in the next few weeks, bringing the total to 14.
“The program is based on parent choice,” Woodward said. “We have many wonderful providers in Jackson County for the families to choose from based on their needs.”
Some providers offer half-day classes, and others have full-day programs.
In response to need, Zion Lutheran Preschool has changed its On My Way Pre-K class from half-day to full-day, Woodward said.
The goal for the second year of the program is to serve 120 children, which would be an increase of 25 from this year’s enrollment of 95. Children must be 4 by Aug. 1 to be eligible.
Woodward declined to say how many students have registered.
“We are doing well but don’t want to give a number because what we have may not all qualify,” she said. “There is no way of knowing that until the application period is already over.”
Registration can be completed online at onmywayprek.org or a paper application is available at all On My Way Pre-K providers; at the Jackson County Learning Center or the WorkOne Southeast office, 323 Dupont Drive, Seymour; the Community Foundation of Jackson County, 107 Community Drive, Seymour; and the Community Health Center of Jackson County, 113 N. Chestnut St., Seymour.
Families also may text 59769 and type in the words “pre-k” or “prek” and receive a direct link to the application or email [email protected].
Jackson County was one of five counties in the state and the only rural county chosen in 2014 to participate in On My Way Pre-K. Other counties participating are Marion, Allen, Lake and Vanderburgh.
Woodward said she is excited about the growth of early childhood education opportunities in the area, and she wants to reach as many families as she can.
“The program is starting to become well known here, and parents seem to appreciate the opportunity to be able to send their children to high-quality programs,” she said. “I think not only parents but our entire state is recognizing the importance of educational experiences during the early years.”
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Jackson County On My Way Pre-K providers
Brownstown
Brownstown Christian Church Daycare Ministry and Preschool, 812-358-1702
God’s Lil Blessings, 812-528-2391
Crothersville
Crothersville Elementary Preschool, 812-793-2622
Miss Crystals’, 812-524-2264
Medora
Medora Elementary Preschool, 812-966-2201
Seymour
Above and Beyond Child Care, 812-271-1144
Child Care Network Preschool at Margaret R. Brown Elementary School, 812-524-2585; Emerson Elementary School, 812-216-3630; and Seymour-Redding Elementary School, 812-216-3630
Laugh and Learn Daycare, 812-528-4661
Lord’s Lambs Preschool, 812-522-7804
Terri’s Playhouse, 812-523-5197
Zion Lutheran Preschool, 812-522-5911
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Registration can be completed online at onmywayprek.org or a paper application is available at all On My Way Pre-K providers; at the Jackson County Learning Center or the WorkOne Southeast office, 323 Dupont Drive, Seymour; the Community Foundation of Jackson County, 107 Community Drive, Seymour; and the Community Health Center of Jackson County, 113 N. Chestnut St., Seymour.
Families also may text 59769 and type in the words “pre-k” or “prek” and receive a direct link to the application or email [email protected].
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