The number of children enrolled in Indiana’s free On My Way Pre-K program is down considerably in Jackson County and across the state due in large part to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Enrollment has been declining locally, however, since 2018, according to the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration, which oversees the program.
Currently, there are 28 4-year-olds taking advantage of On My Way Pre-K in the county this school year, down 30 students from the 58 enrolled during 2019-20, said Marni Lemons, deputy director of communications for the state FSSA.
In 2018-19 there were 81 students, she said.
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With 13 On My Way Pre-K providers, Jackson County has the capacity and funding to serve at least 100 children through the Jackson County Education Coalition.
There are an estimated 220 children in the county who qualify.
The state has decided to keep enrollment open in an effort to reach more families and boost the number of students participating.
"We know that a good, high-quality early education is so critical to children’s success throughout their school years, and that it can help them succeed throughout their education," Lemons said. "With the safety steps being taken, in regards to COVID and with the program being free of charge, it would be a shame to see spaces in On My Way Pre-K go unused."
To qualify for On My Way Pre-K, families must have an income below 127% of the federal poverty level. The child must be 4 years old by Aug. 1, 2020, and starting kindergarten in the 2021-22 school year. Parents or guardians in the household must be working, going to school or attending job training.
There also may be eligibility for families with income up to 185% of the federal poverty level and one parent or guardian who is working, going to school or attending job training or a parent/guardian who receives Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income benefits.
On My Way Pre-K started here in 2015 when Jackson County was one of five and the smallest and only rural county in the state to be chosen to pilot it.
Dan Davis, president and chief executive of the Community Foundation of Jackson County, said the county is committed to providing On My Way Pre-K to those children who may not be able to attend preschool otherwise.
"We hope this program gives them a learning boost that will last throughout their coming school years," Davis said.
For more information about On My Way Pre-K and to apply online visit OnMyWayPreK.org. Families may call 800-299-1627 for assistance from an early learning referral specialist or for other questions about On My Way Pre-K.
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For more information about On My Way Pre-K and to apply online visit OnMyWayPreK.org. Families may call 800-299-1627 for assistance from an early learning referral specialist or for other questions about On My Way Pre-K.
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