by: Carley Lanich, Mirror Indy
Posted: Apr 13, 2026 / 07:52 AM EST / Updated: Apr 13, 2026 / 07:52 AM EST
(MIRROR INDY) — You can learn more about pre-K options within IPS at a series of upcoming open houses.
The events are designed for families with children who will be 4 years old on or before Aug. 1 and who are seeking financial assistance to help pay for pre-K.
Each of three upcoming open houses will offer help enrolling in an IPS pre-K program and filling out an application for Indiana’s On My Way Pre-K voucher program.
The state’s pre-K assistance program provides up to $6,800 per year in support to income-eligible families.
Current income thresholds are set at $135% of the federal poverty level, meaning that a family of four making $3,700 a month or less may qualify if parents also meet certain work requirements. You can find an FAQ on program requirements online.
IPS staff can help you navigate these requirements. They ask that families bring documents with them to the open houses to assist with enrollment. Those documents include:
- A parent’s or guardian’s photo ID
- Proof of residency
- Birth certificates for all children in your home under 17 years old
- Parent or guardian income verification. For example, a paystub from within the last 60 days.
Families can also tour a pre-K classroom during their visit. Open house dates include:
- 4-6 p.m. April 15 at Brookside School 54, 3150 E. 10th St., enter through Door 1
- 10 a.m. to noon April 18 at James Whitcomb Riley School 43, 150 W. 40th St., enter through Door 2
- 4-6 p.m. April 22 at Daniel Webster School 46, 1450 S. Reisner St., enter through the main entrance.
Contact the IPS early learning department with questions at 317-954-0557 or earlylearningdept@myips.org. You can also learn more about IPS pre-K on the district’s website.
Mirror Indy, a nonprofit newsroom, is funded through grants and donations from individuals, foundations and organizations.
Mirror Indy reporter Carley Lanich covers early childhood and K-12 education. Contact her at carley.lanich@mirrorindy.org or follow her on X @carleylanich.
