Indianapolis Public Schools, in a shift from their previous policy, will begin charging for Pre-K programs starting the 2025-26 school year, as reported by various news outlets. According to an announcement on their website, IPS officials cited "much consideration of the financial impact on IPS due to… recent legislative changes," as the reason for the new fee structure, originating from the cuts in state funding and the depletion of COVID-19 relief funds, FOX59 detailed.
The district's plan will incorporate an income-based scale where families receiving SNAP, TANF, and Medicaid Free benefits, and who fall below 130% of the Federal Poverty Level will continue accessing services free of cost. Those between 130% and 185% of the Federal Poverty Level will be charged $100 per week, and a full rate of $150 per week will apply to others. Despite these charges, officials assure that the rates are "in line with, if not below, neighboring public options," as detailed by FOX59.
IPS had been able to provide Pre-K at no cost through a combination of state-funded On My Way Pre-K vouchers and the district's financial investment. However, the landscape has shifted, with no increases to childcare grant funding in the state's most recent budget and the looming end of pandemic relief funds. According to WTHR, "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 regarding Pre-K and our ability to continue to offer this free of charge."
In response to the funding shortage, the state had to reinstate a waitlist for the On My Way Pre-K program as of December due to its significant growth without commensurate funding. The Pre-K program, which was made free for every family in the district over the past two school years, largely due to voucher support and COVID-19 relief, is now adjusting to the new fiscal reality, as detailed in an update by IndyStar. Priority enrollment will be given to families residing within the district boundary, but the option remains open to those outside the district as well. Queries regarding the application or eligibility process can be directed to the district through the provided email addresses and phone numbers, supporting multiple languages including Spanish.
"We understand the frustration and challenges that this information may cause," the district conveyed on its website. The district emphasized its enduring commitment to students and families, assuring that it remains a priority even as they navigate these financial constraints imposed by legislative decisions, as further mentioned in their statement released to the public, as per FOX59.
