Day Early Learning (Early Learning Indiana)

Day Early Learning, operated by Early Learning Indiana, provides early care and education for infants through pre-K in its high-quality early learning centers. The program uses a data-driven platform with Salesforce to create an experience for families and streamline operations for Day Early Learning lab schools. It also helps families find quality child care.

• Ages: 0–5 years old

Early Learning Indiana was founded in 1899 as Day Nursery and changed its name to Early Learning Indiana in 2014, when its child care centers were rebranded as Day Early Learning centers. Its mission is to ensure every child is empowered with essential skills to thrive in kindergarten and beyond. The organization provides leadership, advocacy, and early childhood education services to improve the early learning landscape in Indiana and operates Day Early Learning lab schools as part of this work.

Early Learning Indiana partners with teachers and providers to improve program quality and advocates for greater access to early educational opportunities for Hoosier families. It helped create and launch All IN 4 Pre-K with the United Way of Central Indiana, launched Partnerships for Early Learners with a grant from Lilly Endowment Inc., and created Early Learning Works to provide child care solutions that meet the needs of employers and their employees. During the COVID-19 pandemic, it launched the Come Back Stronger Fund and helped 1,025 early learning providers safely operate and re-open.

The leadership team includes President and CEO Erin Kissling, Chief of Staff Jonathan Dilley, Chief Engagement Officer Tony Felts, and Chief Financial Officer Heidi Babkowski. The Early Learning Indiana Board of Directors is led by Chair Julie Dunlap, Secretary Stephanie Bothun, and Treasurer Josh Cooper, with directors Parisa Kelly, M.D., Lee Ann Kwiatkowski, Ed.D, Andrew Perrin, Freedom Smith, and Ron Stiver.

Last updated May 13, 2026.