State launches pre-K pilot program in Tippecanoe County

The pilot program began in 2015 in five counties and will expand next year to cover 10 more, including Tippecanoe County, said Kim Gordon, On My Way Pre-K project manager.

"Children who attend a high-quality pre-K program are going to be more ready for kindergarten, especially in social-emotional skills, which is critical to kindergarten success," Gordon said. 

Families who make 127 percent of the federal poverty level or less will be eligible for a grant accepted by seven child care providers at 10 locations in Greater Lafayette: Right Steps, Future Scholars, Samiyah’s Playhouse, Mary’s Little Lambs, Grace Day Care, Dora’s Day Care and Kinder Care.

Parents or guardians must be employed or enrolled in an education or training program.

The program will begin in January with 20 spots and expand to 100 more spots by August, Gordon said.