Early Learning Programs in Indiana: Building a Foundation for Future Success

An investment in early childhood education is an investment in the future. In Indiana, a variety of early learning programs strive to provide young children with the essential skills and experiences they need to thrive in kindergarten and beyond. These programs recognize that the early years are a critical period of development, shaping a child's cognitive, social, and emotional growth. This article explores the landscape of early learning programs in Indiana, highlighting key initiatives, standards, and resources available to families and educators.

The Importance of Kindergarten Readiness

Kindergarten readiness is a multifaceted concept that encompasses a child's preparedness in various domains of development. It's not just about academic skills; it's about a child's overall well-being and ability to engage in the learning environment.

For children: Kindergarten readiness means being prepared in all domains of early learning and development, including student wellbeing, language, cognitive skills, motor skills, physical health and growth, and approaches toward learning. This involves participating in appropriate routines and activities that foster growth in each of these areas.
For families: It involves understanding their child's level of development, the school environment, expectations, and participating in supportive partnerships with the school.
For schools: Kindergarten readiness means meeting each child where they are with aligned standards and curriculums in engaging, predictable environments that welcome and accept unique experiences, cultures, and backgrounds.
For communities: It means valuing the incredible importance of early learning.

When all these elements align, children are set up for a successful transition to kindergarten and a lifelong love of learning.

Indiana's Early Learning Landscape

To achieve positive outcomes for young learners, Indiana offers a diverse range of early childhood programs:

Developmental Preschool
Head Start
Licensed Childcare Centers
Licensed Family Child Care Homes
Public Community Preschools
Title I Preschools
Unlicensed Registered Ministries

The Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) Office of Kindergarten Readiness collaborates closely with the Family and Social Services Administration’s Office of Early Childhood and Out-of-School Learning to support young learners through various initiatives. These include Indiana’s early learning development framework, early learning standards, and the ISPROUT assessment tool. IDOE also provides additional support and guidance to schools on topics ranging from preschool expansion to kindergarten transitions.

Indiana's Early Learning Standards

Indiana's Early Learning Standards serve as a roadmap for early childhood educators, outlining the core elements children should achieve from birth to age five to be ready for future success. These standards are a developmental continuum and align with the Indiana Academic Standards. The standards set forth common language and expectations for all staff working in early care and education. In 2023, the standards were revised based on research, feedback from practitioners, and work from professionals with expertise in each specialized area, and formally adopted by the State Board of Education.

The Indiana Department of Education’s Early Learning Framework is a resource for educators and other early childhood professionals to support and enhance children’s learning and development while using the standards. The information can be used to support a child’s development at different levels of learning and promotes fluid movement between developmental stages.

Elevate Learning Project: Transforming Early Learning Environments

The Elevate Learning Project empowers early learning programs across Indiana to improve their classroom practices to ensure meaningful growth for children under the age of five. This initiative recognizes that great learning environments are not accidental but are intentionally built through focused effort and investment.

Participating programs receive:

Essential Classroom Materials: Books, art supplies, furniture, and other resources to enrich classrooms and support student growth.
Instructional Supports: High-quality, research-backed curriculum tools to help reimagine learning in the classroom.
Implementation Stipend: Direct funding to allow time for training and professional development for classroom teams.

Eligibility for the Elevate Learning Project

Non-profit licensed child care centers, registered ministries, and school-based programs can train a team member to conduct assessments and lead intervention selection.
Licensed family child care programs can join a cohort facilitated by a community partner who will conduct assessments.

Participation in the Elevate Learning Project involves:

Assessing Classrooms: Eligible early learning providers assess at least two classrooms using Environment Rating Scale (ERS) tools. Family child care homes join cohorts for partner-led assessments using FCCERS tools.
Understanding Your Data: Submitting relevant assessment data and receiving technical assistance from national experts to interpret findings and identify interventions.
Selecting Appropriate Interventions.
Implementing an Intervention: Receiving new classroom materials and training, and implementing specific improvements. Attending specialized professional development.
Seeing Results: Reassessing classrooms, submitting follow-up data, and observing measurable improvement in child learning outcomes.

The Elevate Learning Project emphasizes the importance of classroom practices and the relationships adults build with children. By focusing on these key elements, programs can create environments where children flourish.

Environment Rating Scales (ERS)

The Environment Rating Scales (ERS) are comprehensive assessment tools used to measure environmental materials and teacher-child interactions that affect the broad developmental needs of young children, including cognitive, social-emotional, physical, and health and safety. Recent changes to these tools also address early language and literacy, as well as math experiences.

Participation in the Elevate Learning Project requires the use of the ERS. Programs should use the scale that best fits their needs:

Infant/Toddler Environment Rating Scale (ITERS): For programs that only serve infants and toddlers.
Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale (ECERS): For programs that only serve preschool and pre-K students.
Both ITERS and ECERS: For programs that serve both infants/toddlers and preschool/pre-K students.
Family Child Care Environment Rating Scale (FCCERS): For licensed family child care homes, regardless of the ages of students served.

Day Early Learning: A Legacy of Quality Early Care and Education

Day Early Learning, an initiative of Early Learning Indiana, offers high-quality early care and learning for infants through pre-K. With a focus on providing accredited care at an affordable price, Day Early Learning empowers children with essential skills to thrive in kindergarten and beyond.

Key principles of Day Early Learning:

Nurturing Relationships: Building strong, trusting relationships between teachers and children is paramount.
Lifelong Learning: Fostering a love of learning that extends beyond the classroom.
Health and Safety: Prioritizing the health and safety of every child.
Kindergarten Readiness: Preparing children in all domains of early learning.

Day Early Learning centers currently have preschool and pre-K seats available at most of their schools.

Early Learning Indiana: A Champion for Early Childhood Education

Early Learning Indiana is a leading voice for early childhood education in the state, with a history dating back to 1899. Originally known as Day Nursery, the organization has evolved to encompass a broader mission of expanding access to high-quality early care and learning for all Indiana children.

Early Learning Indiana's priorities include:

Operating high-quality early learning centers (Day Early Learning).
Helping families find quality child care.
Partnering with teachers and providers to improve program quality.
Advocating for greater access to early educational opportunities.

Through initiatives like the Elevate Learning Project and partnerships with organizations like United Way of Central Indiana (All IN 4 Pre-K), Early Learning Indiana is working to create a brighter future for Indiana's children.

Early Learning Works: Meeting the Needs of Employers and Employees

Early Learning Works provides child care solutions to meet the unique needs of employers and their employees. This initiative helps reduce turnover and absenteeism, increase productivity, and better recruit skilled employees by addressing the challenges working parents face in finding reliable and affordable child care.

Resources for Families and Educators

Brighter Futures Indiana: Provides resources and information on early learning programs and initiatives in Indiana.
Early Learning Exchange: A resource for nonprofit, community organizations interested in completing assessments for family child care programs.
FFYF (First Five Years Fund): Offers news and information on child care and early learning at the national level.

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