State Money Available For Early Education

The first step in state funding for pre-K education is being taken.  Last legislative session, Indiana lawmakers passed a proposal establishing a matching grant program for early childhood education. 

The Indiana Family and Social Services Administration is now accepting applications from high-quality care and education programs to receive the funds.  In order to be deemed high-quality, providers must be part of the Paths to Quality rating system.

Marni Lemons, spokesperson for the FSSA explains that there are four levels to the system.

"The levels get harder to achieve as the levels get higher," said Lemons.

Providers that have reached level three or four can apply for the grants after securing matching money from another source. 

The grants mark a milestone for the state.

"It is the first time that the State of Indiana is funding pre-K education," said Lemons.

The goal is that 4-year-old children from low income families will be able to secure spots at these high-level organizations before heading to kindergarten. 

Providers can apply online for the grants at in.gov/fssa.