Indianapolis Public Schools adding fee for pre-K
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Indianapolis Public Schools' pre-kindergarten program will no longer be free for all participating families.
Why it matters: Studies show that 4-year-olds who attend a high-quality pre-kindergarten program are more ready for school, have better language and literacy skills in kindergarten — and those results hold true as kids progress through school.
- Without a free, universal public program, quality can vary greatly and access can be a challenge, particularly for low-income families.
Driving the news: Starting this fall, IPS is instituting a sliding fee scale based on income for its pre-K program.
- The district blames funding cuts and changes to On My Way Pre-K, the state grant program.
What they're saying: "With a more than 50% reduction in the amount of funding we will now get through On My Way Pre-K, in addition to the other financial impacts of our recent legislative session, IPS is now faced with a difficult decision," per a district statement.
Catch up quick: The state budget passed in April cut the amount of property tax dollars going to local districts statewide and funneled more public education dollars into the state's private school voucher program.
- It also reduced eligibility for On My Way Pre-K and Child Care Development Fund vouchers.
- There's currently a waitlist for the programs.
How it will work: Starting with the upcoming school year, there will be three cost tiers for IPS pre-K.
- Families who qualify for federal food or financial aid or Medicaid and make less than 130% of the federal poverty level can still send their children to pre-K for free. They would need to complete an On My Way Pre-K application or have a child care voucher.
- Families who qualify for Medicaid and make between 130% and 185% of the federal poverty level will receive discounted pre-K at $100 per week.
- Everyone else will pay $150 per week.
Reality check: The full pay price is still more affordable than some other high-quality pre-K options.
- The Fishers YMCA charges $242 weekly for members and $272 for non-members, and Day Early Learning charges $295.