Pre-K Proponents to Gather in Muncie
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowAn event in Muncie Tuesday will present what organizers call the "business case" for a state-funded pre-k program. The Early Learning Advisory Committee says the summit will feature speakers including former Procter & Gamble Chief Executive Officer John Pepper. During an interview on Inside INdiana Business Television, ELAC Chair Kevin Bain and BY5 Early Childhood Initiative Executive Director Carrie Bale said Indiana’s pilot pre-k funding program does not go far enough.
The 2016 Indiana Summit for Economic Development via Early Learning Coalitions is set for Tuesday at 9:00 a.m. at the Horizon Convention Center in Muncie. Other speakers include University of Pittsburgh professor Judy Cameron, Muncie Mayor Dennis Tyler, Indiana House Speaker Brian Bosma and Inside INdiana Business Television Host Gerry Dick.
Indiana’s pilot program, On My Way Pre-K, currently operates in Allen, Jackson, Lake, Marion and Vanderburgh counties. In April, United Way of Central Indiana Vice President of Public Policy Andrew Cullen said demand in Indianapolis was so high, more than 3,500 applicants were turned away in the first year.
Many members of Indiana’s business community have pumped money into the effort. Indiana businesses have contributed around $10 million to the pilot, including $2 million from Indianapolis-based Eli Lilly and Co. (NYSE: LLY).