INDIANAPOLIS (AP) – The Indiana Family and Social Services Administration says it's accepting grant applications for its preschool pilot program.

Program Director Melanie Brizzi announced Wednesday the “On My Way Pre-K'' program is taking applications from providers in Allen, Jackson, Lake, Marion and Vanderburgh Counties.

The announcement is part of a test program pushed by Gov. Mike Pence and approved by lawmakers this year. The newly created Office of Early Childhood and Out-of-School Learning hopes to award the first round of funds in January for children to attend programs beginning next fall.

The announcement comes a few weeks after Pence surprised many education supporters by announcing he would not seek $80 million in pre-kindergarten grants from the federal government. The decision was cheered by religious conservatives and tea partyers who oppose federal involvement.