INDIANAPOLIS — In the inaugural year of its free, full-day preschool program, the Indianapolis Public Schools and six community partners will serve nearly half of the eligible four year-olds residing within the district.
District officials predict interested families will quickly fill the 64 classrooms located in 34 sites serving just over 1,400 students during the 2013-2014 school year. The first opportunity to enroll students in the program will be January 19 and January 23 when the district hosts its Preschool Information and Application Fair in the cafeteria at Arsenal Technical High School, 1500 E. Michigan St. The fair will be open from 9 a.m. to noon on January 19 and from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on January 23.
The success of full day kindergarten and demand for full day preschool from the community led district leaders to commit to launching preschool in the next school year.
Preschool will be offered through two general education stand-alone preschool centers, six general education community partner preschool sites, seven existing IPS schools and 13 special education preschool sites.
Each classroom will hold a maximum of 20 students with a licensed teacher and classroom assistant teaching the same curriculum.
Parents and guardians coming to one of the information and application fairs are asked to bring the following items with them if they wish to complete on-site registration:
• Government issued photo identification
• Proof of residency (must live within IPS district)
• Child’s birth certificate
• Child’s most recent immunization record
While there will be other opportunities to register for the IPS preschool program, the fair offers the most convenient method. School and community partner representatives will be on site to answer questions and to assist parents/guardians in selecting a site most suitable for their child.
Those who have questions regarding the IPS preschool program can call (317) 226-3912.