Legislators and Little Learners

Hoosier Milestones is pleased to host Legislators & Little Learners throughout Indiana!

Locations will be announced soon. In the meantime, Policy Equity Group has created this Legislator Visit Toolkit specifically for child care providers. Even if you don't have a visit scheduled during Legislators & Little Learners, it will still be helpful in the future!

Statewide partners in early childhood policy, Hoosier Milestones, Early Learning Indiana, Indiana Association for the Education of Young Children (INAEYC), and the United Way of Central Indiana (UWCI) are excited to be co-hosting a series currently titled “Legislators and Little Learners.” The purpose of this series is to showcase the work of early childhood programs across Indiana and invite Indiana policymakers to come see a program and educators in action.

Thank you to the following state elected officials for attending a Legislators and Little Learners Event!

Rep. Robin Shackleford (Marion County)
Sen. Andy Zay (Grant County)
Rep. Lori Goss-Reaves (Grant County)
Sen. Justin Busch (Allen County)
Rep. Dave Abbott (Whitley County)
Rep. Kyle Miller (Allen County)
Sen. Travis Holdman (Adams County)
Sen. Randy Maxwell (Scott County)
Rep. Karen Engleman (Harrison County)
Sen. Shelli Yoder (Monroe County)
Rep. Matt Pierce (Monroe County)
Rep. Phil Giaquinta (Allen County)
Jarrod Humbarger, aide for US Congressman Marlin Stutzman (Kosciusko and Whitley County)

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!

Thursday, September 4: Compass Early Learning Center, Bloomington

Senator Shelli Yoder and Representative Matt Pierce were invited to Compass Early Learning Center to meet the staff, children, families, and learn about the operation of a high quality child care center.

This event had an extra special element....each child created postcard art, and the postcards were wrapped together with a pretty bow. "A couple of kiddos presented the gifts to each legislator," said Jennifer Myers, director of Uplands Smart Start. "It was a beautiful moment as we reminded each legislator they were holding childrens' futures in their hands."

Page updated

Google Sites

Report abuse