Local Organization Receives Funding to Boost Early Learning for Indiana Children

Early Learning Indiana today announced $23 million in grants.

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INDIANAPOLIS - One local organization is among 68 community organizations to receive funding through joining the Early Years Initiative. 

Early Learning Indiana today announced $23 million in grants to help meet the developmental needs of infants and toddlers and surround Hoosier families with the resources to capitalize on opportunities for learning that occur from birth to age three. 

Locally, the Southeastern Indiana YMCA in Batesville received $100,000. 

All Early Years Initiative work is designed to strengthen foundational learning and development, but programs and projects are as varied as the needs of the young children they serve. They fall under four strategic priorities: 

• Parenting Preparation and Support – Strengthening families through home visiting and parent education programs
• Child Care Access and Effectiveness – Ensuring access to supportive child care 
• Early Detection and Intervention – Supporting the early detection of developmental needs or disabilities and implementing responsive interventions 
• Early Language and Literacy – Promoting essential skills through early language strategies

“Research is clear that a child’s brain develops most between birth and age 3 and that the neural pathways formed in these earliest years of life form the basis for all future learning and development,” said Maureen Weber, president & CEO of Early Learning Indiana. “That’s why the work of the Early Years Initiative is so critical. We must ensure supportive environments and responsive interactions between infants and toddlers and their caregivers to set the trajectory for their overall development and lifelong learning.”

Organizations participating in the Early Years Initiative include social service providers, faith-based organizations, community foundations, United Ways, child care providers, school districts, higher education institutions and other not-for-profit organizations in 80 counties in Indiana.

Learn more about the initiative and its success at EarlyYearsInitiative.org.