Early Learning Indiana Expands Education Program
(IIB Photo/Mary-Rachel Redman)
Subscriber Benefit
As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowEarly Learning Indiana, in partnership with Volunteers of America Ohio & Indiana, is expanding its Early Head Start services within Marion County. The organization says the expansion will add 75 new seats and will further provide early care and education services to low-income and at-risk families.
Early Learning Indiana says the expansion is made possible by a $1.7 million renewable grant it received from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Families and Children. Of the 62 recipients nationwide, Early Learning Indiana is the only organization in Indiana to receive an Early Head Start-Child Care Partnership and Expansion grant.
“Early Head Start serves a critical need for families and children, especially here in Marion County,” said Early Learning Indiana President Maureen Weber. “The availability of high-quality child care and family services for our city’s most at-risk and low-income families allows families to get on their feet and supports their long-term success. We’re honored to be part of this work, and this expansion grant will make a tremendous impact on Indianapolis children and families.”
The grant will allow Early Learning Indiana to expand its EHS seats from 88 at three locations to 163 across six Marion County locations. The organization says it will offer EHS seats in four infant and toddler classrooms at its Day Early Learning at Eastern Star Church location on the east side of Indianapolis and expand infant and toddler care by 28 seats at Day Early Learning at Park 100 on the city’s northwest side.
“Volunteers of America is incredibly grateful to partner with Early Learning Indiana to bring invaluable child care services to families and children who would not otherwise have access to early intervention services,” said Volunteers of America Ohio & Indiana President John von Arx. “The ability to provide high-quality, full-time child care and intensive development education to Fresh Start families, while mothers are recovering and healing from substance use disorder, will help set up entire families for success and ensure young children thrive.”
Early Learning Indiana says the expansion will begin this summer.