Program Type
Early childhood education programs
Ages Served:
0-4 Years
5-11 Years
Overview
Brief Program Summary: Early Learning Indiana practices what it teaches and seeks to
transform the early education field starting with its eight Day Early Learning (DEL) centers. These
centers are a network of premier, community-based lab schools where Early Learning Indiana
(ELI) can advance the science of early education, invest in a new generation of teaching and instill
essential skills in approximately 800 children each day. Despite opportunities to expand to more
profitable markets, ELI is committed to serving the most vulnerable families in Indianapolis and
achieving equitable educational outcomes.
All eight Day Early Learning centers are located in Indianapolis, and they serve children ages 6
weeks to 6 years old. Around 64 percent of DEL families are non-white, and 60 percent of children
at DEL centers receive tuition assistance, either through government subsidies or through
supplemental funds raised by ELI. Currently, 37% of children served are Black/African American,
and 8% are Hispanic/Latino(a/x).
DEL centers meet or exceed the highest standards for child care in Indiana and are accredited
by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). Seven DEL centers
are rated Level 4 on Paths to QUALITYTM (Indiana’s QRIS system) and nationally accredited by
NAEYC. The eighth and newest location, DEL at Eastern Star Church, is a Level 3 and awaiting
a NAEYC site visit to reach Level 4, once COVID-19 restrictions are lifted.
Success Metrics: Early Learning Indiana believes that all children are competent and capable,
learn through relationships with adults and peers, construct knowledge from diverse experiences,
develop at a unique and individual pace, and are constantly learning. In order to support this approach, teachers and leaders must provide a learning environment inclusive of the following
components, for children to reach their full potential:
– Relationships are caring and responsive, establishing the security children need to explore the
world around them;
– Play is seen as crucial to children’s physical, intellectual and social development; teachers
provide an intentional focus on identifying and calling out each child’s positive attributes;
– Teachers seek to understand and adapt to the context of each child’s individual family,
community and experiences;
– Every child receives the educational resources they need to succeed; and
– Children are provided the predictable relationships, routines and actions that allow them to
thrive.
Day Early Learning’s ultimate measure of success is children being prepared to succeed in
kindergarten and beyond. Children are assessed regularly using the Teaching Strategies GOLD
observational assessment and other measures. All pre-kindergarten children (regardless of
payer) are also assessed using the Kindergarten Readiness Indicator adopted for children
enrolled in Indiana’s On My Way Pre-K program. ELI gathered baseline data for children within
DEL centers in 2020 and is implementing instructional interventions in response to areas of
identified need. In addition to these child level assessments, at least annually, ELI leverages
Teachstone CLASS® to evaluate interactions between teachers and children. Evidence shows
that the quality of these interactions is a leading indicator for the learning outcomes achieved.
Demographics
Number Served & Racial Distribution:
Total Number of Individuals Annually Served
800
Black or African Americans Annually Served
37%
Hispanic or Latinos Annually Served
8%
Geographic Scope:
− Central Indiana Counties: Marion
− Additional/Other Areas of Focus: Eight Day Early Learning (DEL) centers
Resources
Annual Operating Cost: $9,700,000
Initial Start-Up Cost: $860,000
Contact Information
Organization Name: Early Learning Indiana
Website: https://earlylearningin.org/
Respondents Name: Emily Nelson
Email: emilyn@earlylearningindiana.org