Enrollment for Jump Start preschool program now open

For almost a decade, Harrison County Community Foundation (HCCF) has been committed to increasing kindergarten readiness for hundreds of Harrison County children. HCCF accomplishes this goal through Jump Start, a program supporting affordable high-quality preschool (Pre-K) to local eligible families.

Enrollment for the 2023-24 preschool year officially began on March 13. HCCF partners with eleven different preschool providers to offer Jump Start to eligible children. Participating children must be three, four, or five years old by August 1, 2023. Only children with legal residency in Harrison County are eligible. Families must also meet income eligibility requirements to qualify. Funding is allocated to serve the most students from Harrison County families at or below the 200% Federal Poverty Level (FPL). For instance, for a household of four, the maximum monthly income is $5,000.

“Based on local and national research, we know preschool makes a significant difference in preparing children with important skills needed for success in kindergarten and beyond,” says HCCF President & CEO Julie Moorman. “We look forward to seeing the continued impact of Jump Start as we begin enrollment for a new school year.”

To participate in the Jump Start program, parents must reach out to Harrison County Community Services (HCCS) to verify eligibility. Families with a four-year-old attending preschool must have applied and received a denial from the State of Indiana’s On My Way Pre-K (OMW) before contacting HCCS. To learn more about Jump Start and the steps to qualify, visit hccfindiana.org/jumpstart or call Anna Curts, Grants Manager, at (812) 738-6668.