Help Paying for Preschool in Indiana (2026)
Preschool is expensive, but Indiana families have three main ways to lower or eliminate the cost: Head Start, public pre-K, and a childcare subsidy. Here's who qualifies for each — then check your family in seconds.
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Head Start & Early Head Start in Indiana
Head Start is free, federally funded preschool (ages 3–5; Early Head Start under 3) for families at or below the federal poverty line — about $33,000 for a family of four in Indiana (2026) — and it's free regardless of income if your family is experiencing homelessness, your child is in foster care, or you receive SNAP, TANF, or SSI. See the full income limits by household size → · Find a Indiana program →
Public pre-K in Indiana
Indiana's public pre-K, On My Way Pre-K, is income- or risk-based (age 4 by August 1; income at/below ~135% FPL with a working/in-school parent; statewide but capacity-capped). Families under the program's income line — or who qualify on other factors (English learner, disability, foster, homeless) — can attend free. Official Indiana program info →
Childcare subsidy in Indiana
Separate from preschool programs, Indiana's childcare subsidy — Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) vouchers — helps working families pay for care (infants and toddlers included, not just preschoolers), for income up to at or below 135% of the federal poverty level (about $43,000 for a family of 4) — roughly $44,550 for a family of four — measured against the federal poverty level. One of the strictest entry limits in the country. Apply or learn more →
Preschools in Indiana
See also: when your child can start school in Indiana · how to afford preschool · how much preschool costs.