Day Early Learning (Early Learning Indiana)

Day Early Learning, operated by Early Learning Indiana, runs high-quality early learning and child care centers that are described as lab schools. The program also offers tools and resources that early childhood providers can use to grow their practice and improve learning outcomes. Through Early Learning Works, it provides child care solutions that are tailored to the needs of employers and their employees, and it offers resources for families through Brighter Futures Indiana.

• Ages: 0–5 years old

Early Learning Indiana was founded in 1899 as Day Nursery, and in 2014 the organization changed its name to Early Learning Indiana and rebranded its child care centers as Day Early Learning centers. The organization’s mission is to ensure every child is empowered with essential skills to thrive in kindergarten and beyond. 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 additional directors Parisa Kelly, M.D., Lee Ann Kwiatkowski, Ed.D, Andrew Perrin, Freedom Smith, and Ron Stiver.

Early Learning Indiana provides leadership, advocacy, and early childhood education services to improve the early learning landscape in Indiana and is described as the state’s expert and trusted voice on early childhood education. The organization uses a supply-first model backed by intelligent design and a data-driven approach through a platform developed with Salesforce. It partners with teachers and providers to improve program quality and advocates for greater access to early educational opportunities for Hoosier families. Its community work includes helping create and launch All IN 4 Pre-K with United Way of Central Indiana, launching Partnerships for Early Learners with support from Lilly Endowment Inc., creating the Come Back Stronger Fund to help 1,025 early learning providers safely operate and re-open during the COVID-19 pandemic, and launching Early Learning Works to address child care needs for employers and employees.

Last updated May 14, 2026.