What Families Need to Know
On My Way Pre-K is Indiana’s state-funded program that provides high-quality Pre-K to eligible 4-year-olds. For the 2026–2027 school year, several important program changes are in place based on new legislation and funding decisions. This FAQ is designed to help families understand what’s new, how eligibility works, and what steps to take next—especially if you’ve already submitted an application. If you have additional questions, your local eligibility office is here to help.
Updated: March 2026
- What changed with On My Way Pre-K for the 2026–2027 school year, and why?
Enrollment cap: Limited to 2,500 children statewide, with a portion reserved for limited eligibility families.
Voucher cap: Each child can receive up to $6,800 in funding for the OMWPK year.
Weekly provider rate: Set at $147.82/week for all participating providers. (This equates to the above $6,800 limit allowing $147.82 for 46 weeks). Families will be responsible for any overages between the provider charges and this reimbursement rate.
Eligibility threshold: Household income must be at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Level.
Job Search: Job search is no longer a qualifying activity for OMWPK eligibility. To qualify, a parent or guardian must be working, in school, or attending job training.
Voucher coverage: Only the Pre-K child is covered (not siblings).
Start date: Vouchers begin with the Pre-K program start date (no earlier than late July/early August).
Wraparound care: The Pre-K child can still use CCDF for before/after care and break care.
You can find more details on these changes in the questions below.
- Is my child eligible for On My Way Pre-K this year?
Children must be 4 years old by August 1, 2026, and plan to start kindergarten in the 2027–2028 school year. Your family must also meet income and qualifying activity requirements.
- What are the income and qualifying activity requirements?
Household income must be at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Level.
A parent or guardian must be working, in school, or in job training. Job search is no longer a qualifying activity.
- How can I tell if my family meets the 135% FPL income requirement?
You can use the Federal Poverty Level income chart to see if your household income qualifies. The chart is based on your family size and gross monthly income. You can also ask your local eligibility office for help.
- Can I include more than one child in the application?
Yes, but only the Pre-K child is eligible for an OMWPK voucher. Siblings in the household are included in the application for eligibility but will be placed on the CCDF waitlist until funding is available.
- If my application is approved, when does the voucher begin?
The voucher begins when your child’s Pre-K program starts, usually in late July or August.
- Will I get help paying for before- and after-school care or school breaks?
Wraparound care (such as before/after school or school breaks) may still be covered through CCDF, depending on your family’s eligibility.
- What is the value of the OMWPK voucher?
The voucher is capped at $6,800 per child for the year. This may not cover the full cost of care at your chosen provider. Some families may have a balance, called an “overage,” to pay directly to the provider.
- I already submitted an application—do I need to do anything?
Eligibility offices have started reviewing and processing applications for the 2026–2027 school year. If additional information is needed, they will contact you directly. You can also log in to Early Ed Connect to make updates or upload documents to your application.
- What if I no longer want to participate or think I’m no longer eligible?
If the program changes affect your eligibility or you no longer wish to participate, you can withdraw your application by contacting your local eligibility office.
- Will these program changes affect which provider I can choose?
Families can continue to choose from a wide network of approved On My Way Pre-K providers, including public schools, centers, ministries, and licensed homes. While program updates may lead some providers to re-evaluate their participation, the majority of providers are expected to continue offering OMWPK. We recommend confirming with your chosen provider that they are participating for the 2026–2027 school year. You can also use the Child Care Finder to explore participating providers near you.
- Where can I get more help or information?
Visit the OMWPK webpage for updated program details, FAQs, eligibility guidance, and family-friendly resources. You can also contact your local eligibility office for personal support.