To qualify for the program, families must make below 300 percent of the federal poverty line, which is $72,750 for a family of four, have a four-year old or a child who will turn five by Sept. 30, 2016.
Robyn Lightcap is the director of Ready Set Soar, an early childcare and education initiative and part of Learn to Earn, an education nonprofit based in Dayton. She said she would prefer most families to enroll by August, as most preschools start in September, but applications would still be accepted in September for families who had recently moved into the area.
Last school year, the program enrolled 30 students, Lightcap said, and hopes to enroll 50 this year. Kettering City Schools, the City of Moraine, the City of Kettering and Montgomery County collaborated to provide $242,000, she said. The same four institutions contributed $197,000 this year, she said.
Scott Inskeep, superintendent of Kettering schools, said the initiative would help Kettering students graduate from high school.
“It’s very clear when you can intervene and start with students younger, the more likely you can help them be successful,” Inskeep said.
Lightcap said multiple studies have shown kindergarten readiness increases when students have attended preschool.
“The national research, the state research, and our local research have shown preschool is important indicators of third-grade reading, which factors into long term success,” Lightcap said.
Cincinnati, among other districts, is considering adding Preschool Promise, and Cleveland has a similar program, PRE4CLE, Lightcap said.
To fill out the application, go to learntoearndayton.org/preschoolpromise or call 937-723-2714.
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