Jackson County’s efforts to provide free, high-quality preschool services to low-income children beginning this fall has resulted in double the expected capacity.
A second open enrollment period for the state-funded On My Way Pre-K program begins Thursday and continues through July 31.
Applications will be accepted on a first come, first served basis at the Jackson County Learning Center, 323 Dupont Drive in Seymour.
Of the five pilot counties chosen in 2014 to participate in Indiana’s On My Way Pre-K initiative, Jackson is the only one being allowed to offer a second enrollment period, said Dan Hodge, executive director of the Jackson County Education Coalition.
“This opportunity came about because the county has built more capacity than previously anticipated,” Hodge said.
Originally, Hodge set a goal of having 10 local preschool providers certified and approved to serve 100 students in the first year of On My Way Pre-K.
There are currently 13 providers in the county that have met all the requirements to be designated a Level 3 provider through the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration’s Paths to QUALITY rating and improvement program.
A Level 3 out of the four levels means the school will implement or already has a curriculum in place that supports children’s learning and school readiness.
That designation will allow the provider, in turn, to accept state-funded vouchers from low-income families who qualify.
With 13 providers, Hodge said the number of 4-year-olds able to enroll has now increased to 200.
Approved providers at this time include Above and Beyond Child Care, Head Start, Terri’s Playhouse and Zion Lutheran School, all in Seymour; Crothersville Elementary School; God’s Little Blessings in Brownstown and Brownstown Christian Church; Medora Elementary School; Lord’s Lambs Preschool; and Child Care Network with sites at Girls Inc. and Margaret R. Brown Elementary School.
During the next couple of weeks, the education coalition will coordinate efforts through On My Way Pre-K project manager Natasha Langford and other community partners and volunteers to get more children enrolled in the program.
“Providers have worked incredibly hard to meet all the standards for their programs and facilities to receive Level 3 ratings,” Langford said. “These providers have the dedication and passion for serving our future community.
“The providers and the Jackson County Education Coalition and our partners have all been focused on one thing — the children,” she added.
Hodge said the news is a big step in reaching all children who qualify for On My Way Pre-K.
The FSSA reported there are 255 children in Jackson County who could qualify and weren’t enrolled in preschool.
During the first enrollment period in the spring, 91 students were signed up for the program.
Only families that have an income below 127 percent of the federal poverty level are eligible to participate. That means a family of four cannot have an annual income exceeding $30,080.70 to qualify.
“Families are very excited about being able to send their children to high-quality programs in our community,” Langford said. “They also love the fact that they are able to choose the program that best fits their family’s needs.”
On My Way Pre-K is being offered within a school setting, as a faith-based program and in-home care option, she added.
Hodge said all children deserve the benefits of being able to attend preschool.
“All good things start with a great foundation,” he said. “Opening up enrollment again will allow more of our most precious commodities — our children — to get that great foundation with the additional preschool opportunities.”
Langford said the investment in early childhood education is worth every dollar spent.
“The benefit to the community is truly the benefit of the child that is prepared for school and more likely to be successful throughout school and life,” she said. “If you look at the economic benefit, research shows a return of more than $8 for every $1 invested in high-quality early learning and childcare.”
In April, the state approved to extend On My Way Pre-K funding for two additional years.
Times for enrollment are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday and Friday and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. July 14 to 16 and 21 to 23. These dates are available for drop-in enrollments.
Appointments may be made for July 27 to 31, by calling River Valley Resources at 855-591-7848.
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A second enrollment period for the On My Way Pre-K program has been put in place.
Times for enrollment are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday and Friday and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on July 14-16 and 21-23. These dates are available for drop-in enrollments.
Appointments may be made for July 27-31, by calling River Valley Resources at 855-591-7848.
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