EARLY LEARNING EDUCATOR SOLUTIONS

Organization name: Early Learning Indiana

Program Type

Work-based learning programs

Ages Served:

19-25 Years

Overview

Brief Program Summary: As a provider of early learning and care, Early Learning Indiana understands the essential role program leaders, teachers and classroom support professionals play in delivering child outcomes. However, traditional early education preparation models are time-consuming and costly, leaving many committed professionals without practical solutions to advance their careers and increase classroom impact. Early Learning Educator Solutions programs, supported by Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation, Lilly Endowment Inc. and United Way of Central Indiana, offer a competency-based, streamlined learning experience that empowers professionals to build their effectiveness in real-time, while decreasing the time to completion. Participants are able to advance their careers while still earning a salary. Participants begin with a program pre-assessment that measures their existing competency in program topics, and are eligible to test out of sections and receive a rebate for those areas of competency. Each Early Learning Educator Solutions program follows the “Explore – Practice – Apply” model, seamlessly integrating instructional content with in-person, real-world application. Participants explore and practice new topics in the online environment and immediately apply their learning in the classroom. With the help of professional coaches and early learning leaders, participants receive support every step of the way. At this time, Early Learning Indiana has just wrapped up a beta test of its Classroom Support Professional (CSP) credentialing program with team members from its Day Early Learning centers. This test group has provided valuable feedback to inform the full program that will be offered to other providers in the next year. ELI is simultaneously in talks with higher education institutions to partner on a similar degree program for classroom teachers.
Success Metrics: Early Learning Indiana receives funding support from United Way of Central Indiana for its CSP program. This grant is specifically intended to support parents/caretakers of Asset-Limited, Income-Constrained, but Employed (ALICE) families, with the goal to help them as they progress to self-sufficiency. ELI collects demographic data from all participants, including their race/ethnicity and family status.

Demographics

Number Served & Racial Distribution:

Total Number of Individuals Annually Served

19

Black or African Americans Annually Served

34%

Hispanic or Latinos Annually Served

1%

Geographic Scope:

− Central Indiana Counties: Marion
− Additional/Other Areas of Focus: N/A

Resources

Annual Operating Cost: $150,000
Initial Start-Up Cost: N/A

Contact Information

Organization Name: Early Learning Indiana
Website: https://earlylearningin.org/
Respondents Name: Emily Nelson
Email: emilyn@earlylearningindiana.org
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