Increasing Access to Quality Early Childhood Education
Delaware County currently exhibits the 2nd highest cost of childcare in the state. At an average of $10,731 each year, it is more expensive to send a child to high-quality childcare than to pay for one student’s annual tuition at Ball State University.
Studies show that quality early childcare builds the foundation of a child’s success later in life—even through adulthood. BY5 is dedicated to providing opportunities for affordable, high-quality childcare to all children in Delaware County under the age of 6.
With these rising childcare costs in Delaware County, there’s an evident need for affordable, high-quality childcare in the community. That’s where On My Way Pre-K comes in. The state-funded program provides free pre-school education to eligible 4-year-olds in Indiana
BY5 has been Delaware County’s lead agency for On My Way Pre-K since January 2018. By working closely with partner organizations throughout the community, BY5 has been able to provide free pre-school to more than 95 kids in Delaware County.
Delaware County’s On My Way Pre-K Providers
Delaware County’s On My Way Pre-K program currently boasts 25 diverse childcare providers, including childcare centers, home daycares, and four elementary schools in Muncie. Having a wide variety of sites allows families to choose the pre-school education program that best fits their needs and desires.
All of these childcare providers are ranked as Paths to QUALITY Level 3 or Level 4 care centers. Paths to QUALITY is a statewide ranking system of early childhood care and education programs, with Levels 3 and 4 being the highest possible rankings a center can earn—Level 4 programs even receive national accreditation. Since 2014, the number of Level 3 and 4 programs in Delaware County has more than doubled, and BY5 hopes to see that amount continue to grow.
LEVEL 4 PROVIDERS
Huffer Memorial Children’s Center, Inc.
Kinder Care Learning Center
Playtime Child Care Home
Precious Little Angels
Transition Resources Corporation Head Start
United Day Care Center of Delaware County
Wee Wisdom Nursery School and Child Care Center
LEVEL 3 PROVIDERS
Countryside Child Care Center LLC
Creative Kids Daycare & Learning Center
Destiny Christian Academy (Yorktown)
Destiny Christian Academy (Muncie)
East Washington Academy
Grissom Elementary School
GT Kids Daycare & Preschool
Hazelwood Christian Preschool
Inspire Academy
Kidz Korner
Little Bloomers
Little Hands of Jesus Preschool
Muncie Area Career Center Developmental Preschool
Southview Elementary School
Natty’s Treehouse Childcare
Precious Hearts Development Center
Teddy Bear Child Care, LLC
Wes Del Preschool
