Early Learning Indiana

Indiana’s early learning providers say they remain committed to serving vulnerable Indiana children and families even as new survey results show the operating environment getting worse. Enrollment is dropping, staffing shortages persist and more programs are preparing for closures. . These challenges put learning environments and access at risk. Explore the full survey insights and what they mean for the future of early learning. earlylearningin.org/current-challe…

New survey results highlight growing pressure across Indiana’s early learning sector. Enrollment is down, funding has declined for most providers and many have closed classrooms or are considering closing entire programs. See the full findings and what they signal for Indiana’s early learning landscape. earlylearningin.org/current-challe…

This #GivingTuesday, you can make a meaningful difference for Day Early Learning families in need. Shop our Amazon Wish List for essential items. Take a look and give if you’re able: a.co/0o42Mwp

📚❤️ Stronger Together! Families in Indy’s near eastside and Martindale Brightwood now have more access to home visiting programs through the Early Years Initiative. From developmental screenings to daily reading goals, families are building early literacy and school readiness from birth! 💙✨ earlylearningin.org/joining-forces…

📚 Indiana educators — the next session of this free virtual learning series is on December 2nd! In partnership with Teachstone, these sessions offer practical, research-based strategies to support young learners. Designed for infant, toddler, preschool and pre-K educators, as well as coaches and lead teachers, each session helps you grow your skills and make a lasting impact in your classroom. 🗓️ Don’t miss out — register today: bit.ly/4qMI9xf

Thanks to those joining us from all around the state today at our 2025 Childcare Summit! Childcare affordability and access remain among Indiana's most pressing issues and we're happy to bring stakeholders together to discuss. In our lunchtime session (pictured), our VP Camille Blunt moderated a panel featuring Justin Armstrong of AYS; Sherry Grate of Ambassador Enterprises; Jennifer Myers of Monroe Smart Start; Dr. Rita Shourds of Align Southern Indiana; and Tyler Stock of Welborn Baptist Foundation. This was just one of many agenda items, which also included roundtable discussions. The Summit was held in partnership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation (USCCF). Also see our 2024 childcare report, released in partnership with the USCCF and Early Learning Indiana: indianachamber.com/wp-content/upl…

Your voice matters. Since our last survey in August, the State of Indiana has reduced reimbursement rates for early education providers and paused issuing new CCDF vouchers until 2027. We want to understand how these changes are affecting your early education program now and as you look to the future. The survey takes less than 15 minutes and is open until Monday, Nov. 17. Complete it for a chance to win a classroom materials package. Make sure your program is represented: surveymonkey.com/r/TK9L7ZL

We’re proud to partner with Teachstone to offer Indiana educators a free virtual learning series packed with practical, research-based strategies to support young learners. Designed for infant, toddler, preschool and pre-K educators — as well as coaches and lead teachers — each session helps you strengthen your skills and make a lasting impact in your classroom. 🗓️ Sessions begin November 18 🔗 Learn more and register: bit.ly/4qMI9xf

These are times of change and challenge in early education — but our commitment remains the same. 💙 At Early Learning Indiana, we believe every child deserves access to high-quality care and learning, and every educator deserves support to make that possible. We remain steadfast in our mission to strengthen early learning programs, uplift families and build a brighter future for Indiana’s youngest learners. Every step we take is guided by our belief that the earliest years matter most and that every child in Indiana deserves the strongest possible start.

Your voice matters. Since our last survey in August, the State of Indiana has reduced reimbursement rates for early education providers and paused issuing new CCDF vouchers until 2027. We want to understand how these changes are affecting your early education program now and as you look to the future. The survey takes less than 15 minutes and is open until Monday, Nov. 17. Complete it for a chance to win a classroom materials package. Make sure your program is represented: surveymonkey.com/r/TK9L7ZL

✨ The Elevate Learning Project supports Indiana’s nonprofit and family child care providers with the tools and resources they need to help young learners flourish. From classroom materials and hands-on instructional support to an implementation stipend, this initiative strengthens early learning environments and sets every child up for success. 👉 Learn more: earlylearningin.org/.../elevate-le…

Every child deserves the chance to thrive. While Indiana’s early learning programs are growing, there’s still a big opportunity to help more children access high-quality care. Together, we can close the gap. Learn how in the report: earlylearningin.org/closing-the-ga…

Early Learning Indiana has released a dashboard that breaks down the revenue lost in every Indiana county from the child care voucher cuts, which provided low-income families assistance to pay for child care. MORE: wthr.com/article/news/l…

🌱 Last chance to RSVP! Educators in Boone, Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks, Marion, Morgan & Putnam counties — tomorrow’s the final day to reserve your spot for Rooted in Resilience, Early Learning Indiana’s first Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Conference. 📅 Thursday, October 30 | 3–7 p.m. 📍 Founders Lodge Event and Conference Center, Indianapolis Join us for an inspiring evening focused on the power of SEL in early childhood education — featuring keynote speaker Dr. Brian Dinkins, Ed.D., founder & CEO of the Center for Empowering Education. ✨ He’ll lead an interactive workshop on building emotionally inclusive classrooms, followed by a panel + Q&A on advancing SEL in early learning. This free event is made possible by United Way of Central Indiana. ⏳ RSVP by tomorrow, October 16! 👉 form.typeform.com/to/vvHhvOQi 📢 Tag an educator who would love this opportunity!

On Indianapolis’ near westside, JUST Community is making a real difference for families. 🤝 With support from the Early Years Initiative, they’re combining postpartum care with early learning for children from birth to age 3, creating a lasting impact in homes and child care programs alike. Read the full spotlight: earlylearningin.org/just-community…

🌱 Educators in Boone, Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks, Marion, Morgan & Putnam counties — you’re invited! Join us for Rooted in Resilience: Early Learning Indiana’s first Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Conference—an evening focused on the power of SEL in early childhood education. Educators may attend at no cost! 📅 Thursday, October 30 | 3–7 p.m. 📍 Founders Lodge Event and Conference Center, Indianapolis ✨ Hear from keynote speaker Dr. Brian Dinkins, Ed.D., founder & CEO of the Center for Empowering Education. He’ll share insights and lead an interactive workshop on building emotionally inclusive classrooms. 🎤 We’ll close the evening with a panel + Q&A on advancing SEL in early learning. This event is made possible by The United Way of Central Indiana. ⏳ Spots are limited—RSVP by October 16! 👉 form.typeform.com/to/vvHhvOQi

At a meeting Tuesday, more than a dozen child care providers held up their hands when asked if they think they'll have to close their business in the next two years due to recent child care voucher cuts that support families and businesses' profit. wthr.com/article/news/l…

🌟 Ready to Lead Academy🌟 Early Learning Indiana’s Ready to Lead professional development series in partnership with @McCormickInst brought educators together to strengthen leadership skills, elevate program quality and empower the children, families and communities they serve. Over the course of the sessions, new leaders gained tools, confidence and support to guide their teams and create thriving learning environments, even in challenging times.

🌸 At Iris Family Support Center’s Family Resource Center in Fort Wayne, more than 200 families came out for a community baby shower, highlighting the growing need for early childhood support. Through the Early Years Initiative, funded by Lilly Endowment Inc., Iris now reaches 750+ children with prenatal education, safe sleep classes, home visits and culturally responsive care. Families feel celebrated, supported and connected from day one. ✨ 👉 Learn more: earlylearningin.org/rooted-in-comm…

The Elevate Learning Project gives Indiana’s nonprofit and family child care providers the resources they need to support young learners. From classroom materials to instructional guidance and an implementation stipend, these tools help strengthen early learning and ensure every child can thrive. 👉 Learn more: earlylearningin.org/providers/elev…