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