Klinker releases statement regarding expansion of pre-k pilot program

INDIANAPOLIS – State Rep. Sheila Klinker (D-Lafayette) issued the following statement regarding the expansion of the pre-k program from five counties to 15, which would include Tippecanoe County.

The program will be available to 4-year-olds from low-income families that have incomes at or below 127 percent of the Federal Poverty Level. An estimated 6,700 children will be eligible in those 15 counties.

The expansion counties announced Wednesday were Tippecanoe, Bartholomew, DeKalb, Delaware, Elkhart, Floyd, Grant, Harrison, Howard, Kosciusko, Madison, Marshall, Monroe, St. Joseph, and Vigo. They join Allen, Jackson, Lake, Marion, and Vanderburgh counties.

The Indiana Family and Social Services Administration oversees the program.

“I am pleased that Tippecanoe County has been chosen as one of the 15 expansion counties for the pre-k pilot program for 4-year-olds from low-income families.

“This will be a great opportunity for these children to begin their educational careers early, which will enable them to realize greater success in the future.

“I believe pre-k education should be made available in all of Indiana’s 92 counties for each of the state’s 4-year-olds.

“Nevertheless, I am appeciative of this movement forward and what it will mean for all of these children.

“As Indiana’s revenue picture becomes brighter, my hope is that the governor and the General Assembly will make the investment in our children to expand this successful program to every school district in Indiana.