Strategic Plan Launch Celebrates New Era for Early Learning and Childhood Development in West Central Indiana

STRATEGIC PLAN LAUNCH FOR EARLY LEARNING

TERRE HAUTE, IND. – This morning, local regional partners and stakeholders gathered to celebrate the launch of the Grow Up IN West Central Indiana strategic plan, a collaborative effort aimed at enhancing early childhood education and child care across the region. Funded by the Lilly Endowment, Inc.'s College and Community Collaboration grant, the initiative was led by Indiana State University and Ivy Tech Terre Haute, with significant involvement from the West Central Indiana Partnership under the Chamber, which will oversee its implementation.

​The press conference highlighted the Plan's successful completion and its mission to bolster employers, families, and child care providers in the counties of Clay, Parke, Putnam, Sullivan, Vermillion, and Vigo. The plan sets a strategic path forward for early learning and childhood development in the region.

"This strategic plan represents a significant step forward for our community. By focusing on early childhood education and support, we are laying a strong foundation for the future success of our children and our region as a whole", stated Nancy Rogers, Vice President for University Engagement at Indiana State University.

The launch event showcased the Plan’s key recommendations, which include:

• Centralizing resources, information, and communication channels for families seeking child care options.

• Developing a grant/scholarship program to mitigate the financial burden of child care expenses for families with low to moderate income levels.

• Providing support to families of children with special needs.

• Recruiting, retaining, and promoting a high-quality child care and education workforce.

• Creating a marketing campaign to promote the value of early childhood education and child care professionals.

• Convening a task force to advocate for changes to public policy and statewide initiatives.

Lea Anne Crooks, Chancellor of Ivy Tech Terre Haute, added, "The collaboration and commitment seen throughout this planning process have been truly inspiring. This plan will not only support families and educators but also create a thriving environment for our workforce and community at large."