On My Way Pre-K (OMWPK)
The On My Way Pre-K (OMWPK) program helps children from low-income families afford high-quality pre-kindergarten education programs.
Program Description
Children from low-income families who are 4 years old and will attend kindergarten in the following year may be eligible for the state-funded On My Way Pre-K (OMWPK) program.
This program provides funding for children to attend a high-quality pre-kindergarten program and helps these children be ready to succeed when they reach kindergarten. Only high-quality providers (providers who are Level 3 or Level 4 in the Paths to QUALITY™ rating system) are eligible to receive funding as through the program. Accredited “private or nonpublic schools” may also be eligible to receive funds through the program.
Due to similarities between the On My Way Pre-K (OMWPK) and Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) programs, children who are eligible for On My Way Pre-K (OMWPK) may be able to receive Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) funds to cover some or all of the costs associated with child care before or after the child’s kindergarten school day.
Applying for the Program
Just like the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) program, families can apply for the On My Way Pre-K (OMWPK) program through the Family and Social Services Administration’s (FSSA) online portal Early Ed Connect.
You can also contact your local intake agency to apply for the program. If you live in Bartholomew County, the local intake agency’s contact information can be found below. If you live outside of Bartholomew County, check the Additional Resources section for a map of all agencies in the state.
Income and Financial Eligibility
Children whose families earn gross monthly income less than 127% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), based on the size of their family, are financially eligible for the On My Way Pre-K (OMWPK) program. If you are a licensed foster parent for a foster child, then income requirements for the program don’t apply.
The 127% Federal Poverty Levels (FPL) in 2020 for each family size are as follows:
For a one-person family: $1,350
For a two-person family: $1,825
For a three-person family: $2,299
For a four-person family: $2,775
For a five-person family: $3,247
For a six-person family: $3,721
For a seven-person family: $4,195
Additionally, there is limited funding for families with incomes up to 185% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).
The 185% Federal Poverty Levels (FPL) in 2020 for each family size are as follows:
For a one-person family: $1,967
For a two-person family: $2,658
For a three-person family: $3,349
For a four-person family: $4,039
For a five-person family: $4,730
For a six-person family: $5,421
For a seven-person family: $6,111
Caretaker Requirements
Similar to the Child Care Development Fund (CCDF) program, the child’s caretaker must be working or attending educational or job training.
Starting in 2020, a caretaker who is receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) payments may meet the caretaker requirements for the On My Way Pre-K (OMWPK) program. There are additional eligibility criteria which will be evaluated during the application process, like the age of the child and verification of your residency status.
Contact Information for the Program’s Bartholomew County Intake Agency
Children’s Bureau – Columbus, Indiana
Region 14; Serving Bartholomew, Jackson, Jennings, Johnson and Shelby Counties
Contact: Andrea Massey
Website: childrensbureau.org
Address: 1531 13th St., Columbus, IN 47201
Toll-Free: 866-287-2420
Phone: 812-314-2213
Fax: 812-314-2212
Finding an Eligible Provider
Since the program only provides funding for high-quality early education providers, you may want to search for providers in your area to see which ones qualify. The Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) has a Child Care Finder tool that allows you to search for child care providers based on Paths to Quality™ ratings, type of facility, and location.
You can also contact the local Child Care Resource and Referral Agency for assistance finding child care providers that meet your needs. The Office of Early Childhood & Out-of-School Learning (OECOSL) provides a Child Care Resource and Referral Service Provider Map (pdf) for each region of the state. Bartholomew County’s child care resource and referral service provider is Chances and Services for Youth whose contact information is found below.
Child Care Resource and Referral Service Provider for Bartholomew County
Chances and Services for Youth - Region 4
Booker T. Washington Community Center, Second Floor
Address: 1101 S. 13th St., Terre Haute, IN 47802
Website: casyonline.org
Toll-Free: 800-886-3952
Phone: 812-232-3952
Fax: 812-232-1731
Additional Resources
Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) On My Way Pre-K Home Page and Facebook Page
Apply to the On My Way Pre-K (OMWPK) Program using the Online Application Portal Early Ed Connect
Child Care Resource and Referral Service Providers
For Child Care Providers: On My Way Pre-K (OMWPK) Provider Website