Local Choice for Preschool
A locally driven, fiscally responsible way for Indiana communities to expand high-quality preschool access.
The Local Choice for Preschool plan offers a simple option for a city or county. Local leaders can ask voters in a general election whether to approve a small, time-limited local tax that helps families afford quality preschool close to home.
If voters say yes, the funds stay in the community and follow parents to the provider they choose, including church-based, private, and public programs that meet strong standards.
If voters say no, nothing changes.
• Local decision: Communities choose whether to use it.
• Parental choice: Families pick the provider they trust.
• Taxpayer protection: Strict limits on overhead, annual audits, and an automatic sunset.
Key Features
Local Control
Completely optional, and must be approved by local voters. Local leaders decide how much the tax would be and how long it would last, within state limits. All dollars stay in the community.
Fiscal Responsibility
No more than 3 percent of the money can be used for administration, meaning the basic paperwork and oversight needed to run the program. A trusted local organization manages the money, not a state agency, and not a preschool operator. A full audit is required annually, and the tax automatically expires unless voters renew it.
High-Quality Options
Parents choose among providers that meet strong quality standards. Eligible programs can include public, private, and faith-based preschools. Existing state and federal funding is used first so local dollars stretch further.
How It Works
Local leaders propose the plan. The city or county council votes on a proposal that sets how much the tax would be, how long it would last, and the basic rules for using the money.
Voters decide. The question appears on the general election ballot, with a simple example of the cost for a typical homeowner.
A trusted local group manages the money. A United Way, university, chamber foundation, community foundation, or similar group receives the funds, enrolls families, and pays providers. It does not operate preschools and does not profit from the program.
Parents choose providers. Families apply through the local administrator and pick any qualifying program that fits their schedules and values.
Results are checked every year. Each year, the administrator completes an independent audit and shares a short report on how the dollars were used and how many families were served.
Accountability and Transparency
Anytime public dollars are involved, communities deserve clear guardrails. Local Choice for Preschool includes the following protections:
• An independent local organization manages the money. It does not run preschools and cannot profit from the program.
• A full audit is completed every year and presented in a public meeting.
• Brief, easy-to-read reports show how dollars were spent and how many families were served.
• The tax expires automatically unless voters choose to renew it.
Read the Full Local Choice for Preschool Report
Learn how Indiana communities can expand preschool access through local choice and fiscal responsibility.