BY5 and MAP Task Force 1 Lead the Way in the Business Case for Investments in Early Learning
HOSTS INDIANA SUMMIT FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT VIA EARLY LEARNING COLLATIONS
“This event was the best attended community outreach event in which I have participated.” – John Pepper, former CEO, Proctor & Gamble
551 community leaders, national business developers, legislators, stakeholders and early learning experts from 48 counties in Indiana convened in Muncie, June 7 at the Horizon Convention Center for the Indiana Summit for Economic Development via Early Learning Coalitions, hosted by BY5/MAP Task Force 1’s Chair Tom Kinghorn and BY5’s Carrie Bale.
Panelists and keynote speakers made a compelling business case to build the best possible developmental foundation for children by investing in early learning, underscoring the economic reality that “learners become earners.”
Indiana business Talk Show Host, Gerry Dick and Meridian Services Vice President of Development, Scott Smalstig emceed and moderated panel discussions throughout the event.
The Case for Early Learning Interventions and Investments
330,000 Hoosier children are in need of Pre-K education; only about 130,000 have access to it. Only 13% of Hoosier children are enrolled in high quality childcare. The average annual cost of childcare is $7,500. Families living in poverty can spend up to 40% of their income on childcare/preschool. On intervention by pilot programs throughout the state, children made 13 months of gains in 8 months.
To learn how to become involved in early learning, mentoring or to become a volunteer with BY5, MAP Task Force 1 or any of MAP’s Task Forces, please visit: www.muncieactionplan.net.
Partners who made this summit possible are Ready Nation, Partnership for Early Learners, the Indiana Early Learning Advisory Committee, BY5, Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County, Muncie Action Plan, Ball Brothers Foundation, the George and Frances Ball Foundation, several local businesses, social support organizations, and the City of Muncie.
