The Boone County Early Learning Coalition received an Empower to Educate grant from
United Way of Central Indiana to support the professional development and mental well-being of early
childhood educators in Boone County.
Launched in 2024, the Boone County Child Care Study laid the foundation for the Boone County Early
Learning Coalition, made possible through funding secured by the Boone Economic Development Corporation
(Boone EDC) from the Office of Early Childhood and Out-of-School Learning, the Community Foundation of
Boone County, Eli Lilly, Witham Health Services, and Traditions Realty. Formed in late 2024, the Coalition
brings together cross-sector leaders to address urgent challenges in the local early learning and child care
system. Boone County faces a critical shortage of licensed child care seats, with more than 600 children
currently without access to care, disproportionately affecting working families and employers. The Coalition is
working to implement solutions identified in the Boone County Child Care Analysis Report, including improving
access, affordability, quality, and workforce support. The full Boone County Child Care Analysis Report is
available upon request from the Boone EDC.
The Empower to Educate grant will fund the Coalition’s first major initiative: a one-day professional
development and appreciation event in summer 2025, designed to equip Boone County’s child care and early
learning professionals with practical strategies for managing stress, building resilience, professional
development, and sustaining their critical work.
“United Way of Central Indiana’s investment affirms the importance of caring for the people who care for our
children,” said Michelle Hight-Thomas, MSW, volunteer leader of the Coalition and a veteran in the early
2030 Indianapolis Avenue | Lebanon, Indiana 46052 | BetterInBoone.org
childhood education field. “This event will provide meaningful, restorative support for child care professionals,
who are the backbone of working families and a thriving local economy.”
The event will feature expert keynote speakers, targeted breakout sessions, and a community luncheon. It is
the Coalition’s goal to have attendees leave feeling heard, appreciated, empowered, uplifted, and connected.
Feedback collected from attendees will help shape ongoing professional development efforts.
“This is exactly the kind of cross-sector collaboration Boone County needs,” said Julie Reagan, CEO of the
Community Foundation of Boone County. “CFBC is proud to serve as the Coalition’s fiscal sponsor and help
move this critical work forward.”
The Coalition is supported by a growing network of partners, including the Boone County Economic
Development Corporation, Community Foundation of Boone County, Eli Lilly and Company, and The Child
Care Resource Network. “By investing in the people who power our child care system, we are strengthening families, employers, and the future of our community,” said Andrea Kern, CEO of the Boone County Economic Development Corporation.
About the Boone County Early Learning Coalition
Launched in 2024, the Boone County Child Care Study laid the foundation for the Boone County Early
Learning Coalition, made possible through funding secured by the Boone Economic Development Corporation
from the Office of Early Childhood and Out-of-School Learning, the Community Foundation of Boone County,
Eli Lilly, Witham Health Services, and Traditions Realty.
About Boone EDC
The Boone County Economic Development Corporation (Boone EDC) pursues desirable economic
opportunities to support strong communities and enhance the quality of life for all Boone County, Indiana
residents. They aim to be a catalyst for smart growth strategies and forge mutually beneficial partnerships with
organizations capable of understanding and further enriching the unique assets the residents of Boone County
have built. For more information, visit BetterInBoone.org.
