IPS to begin charging for Pre-K programming in 2025-26 school year

INDIANAPOLIS -- Starting in the 2025-26 school year, Indianapolis Public Schools will no longer offer free Pre-K to Indianapolis families.




According to a post on the district's website, officials said that the district will now charge for its Pre-K programming "after much consideration of the financial impact on IPS due to... recent legislative changes."

The program will now use the following income-based scale for its services, determined by income data and those receiving state-assisted benefits:




Cost: $0 - for those who qualify for SNAP, TANF and Medicaid Free and are below 130% of Federal Poverty Level




Cost: $100/week - for those who qualify for Medicaid Free at 130% to 185% of the Federal Poverty Level




Cost: $150/week - full pay




"These weekly rates reflect our commitment to providing affordable, high quality Pre-K options to our community," the website reads, "as they are significantly below private pay options and in line with, if not below, neighboring public options."




The website said that the fees will be collected monthly. IPS Pre-K is open to families who reside outside of the district's boundary, but priority enrollment will be given to families who reside inside the district.








The website states that through a combination of state-funded On My Way Pre-K vouchers and financial investment from the district, IPS was previously able to offer Pre-K at no cost. However, the district said that it had to be changed after a more than 50% reduction in the amount they will receive through vouchers, as well as the other "financial impacts of our recent legislative session."




"We understand the frustration and challenges that this information may cause," the district said on its website. "This was not an easy decision to make, but one thing will always hold true: our commitment to our students and families will always remain at the forefront - even as we navigate these recent legislative changes and their financial impact on our district."




Individuals with questions about the application or eligibility are asked to email the district at earlylearningdept@myips.org or by calling (317) 391-1897, (317) 391-7643 or (317) 619-4279 for Spanish-speaking support.




For more information from IPS about its Pre-K program, click here.





via: https://fox59.com/indiana-news/ips-to-begin-charging-for-pre-k-programming-in-2025-26-school-year/