Early Learning Advocates Eye Regulatory Changes To Aid Providers

The state’s largest early learning nonprofit says 2019 was a year of progress, and should set up 2020 to be “transformative” for early learning providers and families looking for improved access. 

Lawmakers didn’t add new money to the state funded On My Way Pre-K program this year, but did expand it to all 92 counties. 

Early Learning Indiana CEO Maureen Weber says it’s mostly been a year of strategizing for early learning growth after an influx of funding from grant partners, including a federal planning grant. 

A key shift, she says, is that businesses are recognizing the need to be involved in that progress.

“And now the emphasis really is on how can businesses get activated, what can they do to take steps to support the effort,” Weber says.

Next year, Weber says she’s hoping for a closer look at different regulatory challenges she says can be limiting for providers. That’s including a law that requires early learning staff be 21 years or older to supervise certain age groups. 

She says the nonprofit plans to push for more funding for early learning and childcare in 2021, which is a budget writing year for lawmakers.

Contact Jeanie at jlindsa@iu.edu or follow her on Twitter at @jeanjeanielindz.