On June 30, 2014, Indiana’s Early Learning Advisory Committee (ELAC) released its initial report to the Governor and Legislative Council. ELAC was created as part of legislation passed during the 2013 session. ELAC’s vision is to ensure that children ages birth to 8 years and their families have access to high quality early childhood education programs that keep children healthy, safe and learning.
The eight members of ELAC are accompanied by over 120 volunteers serving in 7 ELAC workgroups, addressing specific aspects of this work. The volunteers represent higher education, the business community, legislative and executive branch participants, not for profit organizations, and state employees – all of whom see enormous potential from wise investments in accessible, affordable, high quality early childhood education.
The report includes the following:
- Profiles Indiana’s current situation in early childhood education;
- Outlines active steps underway to build on strengths and address gaps; and
- Provides recommendations informed by the work to date.
The report highlights the need for child care by two-thirds of Indiana parents, and that 4 out of 10 parents still use “informal care” by neighbors or friends instead of “formal” providers. The report includes Next Steps and Recommendations, including: addressing additional data needs for ages 0-8; linking that data with longitudinal tracking of academic performance and career readiness; and taking full advantage of appropriate federal grant opportunities to accelerate Indiana’s efforts.
Transform Consulting Group is proud to support the work of ELAC to optimize the prospects of our youngest learners!
Similar to the support work that we have done for ELAC, Transform Consulting Group can help organizations support coalitions, analyze data and develop meaningful reports. Contact Transform Consulting Group today and we’ll help you “move the needle forward.”
