On My Way Pre-K (OMWPK) is a program that awards grants to 4-year-olds from low-income families so they may have access to a high-quality pre-K program the year before they begin kindergarten. Families who receive a grant may use the grant at any approved On My Way Pre-K program.
Enrollment is open now for children who will be age 4 by August 1 and plan to start kindergarten in the 2021-2022 school year.
This year, eligible households must have an income below 127 percent of the federal poverty level (FPL) – $2,773 a month for a family of four – and the parents or guardians in the household must be working, going to school, or attending job training. Advocacy has helped expand access, if funds are available, to households up to 185 percent of the FPL ($4,039 a month for a family of four) and to households with a parent or guardian who is not working, but who receives Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income. The latter requirement opens the door for many children living with grandparents.
Greene County Foundation accepted responsibility to provide the local match requirement for the 2020-2021 school year.
“When we heard about the program, we were eager to help,” said Sherri Knieriem, executive director. “This program builds skills, knowledge, and confidence in preschoolers, which prepares them for better academic success. We believe investment in early childhood pays dividends for generations.”
To get more information, apply online, and find child care providers, log on to www.onmywayprek.org. The site is available in English and Spanish.
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