COLUMBUS, Ind. – Children Inc. and The Community Education Coalition announced they have been awarded significant grants through the Early Years Initiative, made possible by $60 million in grants from Lilly Endowment Inc., to equip Hoosier families with the essential resources and support they need to maximize crucial learning years from birth to age three.
The Early Years Initiative ensures a strong foundation for future success, placing emphasis on serving families in low-income households, within communities of color, and where very young kids are multi-language learners.
The Community Education Coalition received a $70,000 grant to partner with Learn by Heart. This collaboration empowers new and emerging childcare providers with mini-grants, relationship-based coaching, and professional development opportunities. The Community Education Coalition will focus on increasing access to high-quality care for Latino- and Spanish-speaking families in settings that honor their language and culture.
Children Inc. was awarded $350,000 to expand its current childcare program, providing 18 additional infants and toddlers with care in new family childcare homes. The funding will also allow Children Inc. to implement Conscious Discipline throughout its program, provide staff with professional development, and create a parent education program for fathers using the National Fatherhood Initiative curriculum.
By working in tandem, CEC and Children Inc. create a comprehensive support system that addresses the diverse needs of Hoosier families and ensures all young children in the community have the opportunity to reach their full potential.
For more information about The Community Education Coalition, visit educationcoalition.com. To learn more about Children Inc., go to childreninclearningcenter.com/.
