Early Learning Indiana Awards Grants
(IIB Photo/Mary-Rachel Redman)
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowEarly Learning Indiana has awarded more than $2 million to 155 early child care and education providers across the state to help with safety-related expenses for COVID-19. The first grant round comes from the $15 million Come Back Stronger Fund from Indianapolis-based Lilly Endowment Inc. to strengthen the state’s supply of early learning opportunities.
“The pandemic has shone a light on the critical role early care and education providers play in our society,” said Early Learning Indiana President and CEO Maureen Weber. “It’s estimated that nearly one-third of our state’s child care providers made the difficult decision to close their doors when the pandemic first hit. Now as many of them re-open to serve families who need quality care in order to go back to work, safety is of utmost importance. We’re excited to see how providers use their grants to increase health and safety measures and expand to serve more families who need care.”
Varying amounts are being granted up to $40,000 based on enrollment and the percentage of children who receive assistance from the Child Care and Development Fund or On My Way Pre-K help from the state of Indiana. Over 400 providers applied for funding in the first two weeks, with applications being reviewed and awarded on a rolling basis, with new awardees being notified each week.
Awardees include MSD Lawrence Forest Glen Immersion Preschool in Lawrence, Clinton County Family YMCA in Frankfort and Dawns Daycare 2 in Terre Haute. Click here for a map of all grantees.