Legislators and Little Learners

Friday, May 22, 2026: Pulaski County

Francesville's Caterpillar Corner had its grant opening on Friday, May 22, 2026 and welcomed Senator Ed Charbonneau, Rep. Kendall Culp, Sen. Todd Young's office, Sen. Jim Banks' office, and Rep. Rudy Yakym's office. 

The group celebrated the opening of a truly community-driven project that brought together neighbors, partners, donors, and volunteers. It's a wonderful example of Pulaski County truly investing in the future of children and the community. 

Tuesday, April 28, 2026: Martin County

Uplands Smart Start had the opportunity to welcome legislators into Shoals Early Rox, along with the Martin Co. Community Foundation for a Legislators & Little Learners event—showcasing early childhood education in action.

From touring classrooms, reading with children and engaging in play-based learning, guests experienced firsthand how young learners grow, explore, and thrive in high-quality programs.

They also had meaningful conversations about the realities facing early childhood in the community, including workforce challenges, affordability, and the need for continued investment to build capacity.

Thursday, March 5, 2026: Montgomery County Early Learning Center

MCCF has partnered with KinderCare Learning Companies, which manages the center’s daily operations. We work closely with their corporate team, as this center represents a unique model—the first of its kind in a rural community to be operated by a national corporate child care provider.

Because of the innovative nature of this project, we were pleased to welcome a representative from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, who was interested in learning more about how MCCF strategically collaborated with 15 local businesses, government agencies, and philanthropic partners to build and sustain the center. We were also honored to host a staff member from Senator Banks’ office.

During the visit, guests toured the facility, engaged with the child care staff and MCCF leadership, and had the opportunity to meet with representatives of the Montgomery County Early Learning Center’s investor group to learn more about the collaborative effort that made the project possible.

Tuesday, September 2: Edna Martin Christian Center, Marion County

On September 2, Rep. Robin Shackleford visited Edna Martin Christian Center to tour the Center's childcare programs and to discuss the work being done by the Center to support kids and families in Indianapolis. During her hour with the team, she also had an opportunity to hear some of the challenges facing the community when it comes to childcare access and affordability. Thank you, Representative Shackleford, for your support and for your visit! 

Friday, September 5: Mississinewa Community Schools, Grant County

On September 5, Sen. Andy Zay and Rep. Lori Goss-Reaves visited Mississinewa Community Schools preschool classrooms as part of a Legislators and Little Learners visit. 

The group spent an engaging 90 minutes observing the youngest learners in action and discussing the future of early childhood education in our community. Conversations focused on how we can expand opportunities for children ages 5 and under by strengthening our preschool programs.

Friday, October 3: Turnstone Center, Allen County

Hoosier Milestones, Ready Set Grow Allen, and Turnstone Center were delighted to welcome Senator Justin Busch to Turnstone Center for a "Legislators and Little Learners" tour!

The goal was to give our legislators a firsthand, child's-eye view of the vital work being done by our dedicated childcare providers and the learning environment they create. Thank you Senator Busch for joining us.

Monday, October 6: Southern Wells Little Raiders Preschool, Poneto

Imagine Early was excited to partner with Southern Wells Little Raiders Preschool as a part of the Legislators and Little Learners that is happening across the state, these site visits give local legislators the chance to tour early learning programs and hear firsthand about the opportunities and challenges facing providers, children, and families. Thank you Senator Travis Holdman for joining us today 

Tuesday, September 23: Kendallville Day Care Center, Kendallville

While the local state representative and state senator did not join the Legislators and Little Learners visit, Kendallville Day Care had a great morning with the local Economic Development Organization, Be Noble, Inc. Director Tina Lee shared the difficulties being faced by the program due to funding cuts. The small but mighty group now has some plans on how to collaborate moving forward!

Wednesday, September 17: Scottsburg Elementary School, Scott County

Thank you for joining us at Scottsburg Elementary School!

• Tiffany Copple, Assistant Superintendent, Scott County School District 2

• Marienid González-Meléndez, Manager Community Outreach and Engagement, Early Learning Indiana

• Pam Akemon, Assistant Principal, Scottsburg Elementary School

• Principal, Scottsburg Elementary School

• Senator Randy Maxwell

• Dr. Kyle Neukam, Superintendent, Scott County School District 2

Friday, September 12: St. John's Lutheran Preschool, Lanesville

Thank you, Rep. Engleman, for visiting St. John's Lutheran Preschool in Lanesville, for a Legislators and Little Learners visit!