Early Learning Indiana

What Early Learning Indiana does

Early Learning Indiana (ELI) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, founded in 1899 as Day Nursery and rebranded to its current name in 2014 when it pivoted from a local child care operator to a statewide advocacy and capacity-building organization. ELI operates 11 Day Early Learning centers serving children from infancy through pre-K, functioning as community-based lab schools that advance the science of early learning while training the next generation of educators. Beyond direct service, the organization administers a statewide ecosystem of programs including the Early Learning Marketplace (a Salesforce-powered digital platform connecting Indiana families to early learning programs with real-time seat-claiming), Early Learning Works (an employer-sponsored child care benefit program), the Early Years Initiative (a five-strategy statewide framework covering child care access, early detection, language and literacy, and parenting support), and a portfolio of educator professional development solutions including Classroom Ready, Building Impact, and Resilient Classroom.

The organization's revenue model combines four primary streams: tuition and fees from Day Early Learning centers, government Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) vouchers, employer-sponsored payments through Early Learning Works, and substantial foundation grants led by Lilly Endowment Inc. which has provided $85 million+ since 2014. ELI also administers pass-through scholarship and grant programs including the Build, Learn, Grow Scholarship ($68M+ supporting 17,000+ children across 1,600+ providers) and the Closing the Gap grant program ($1M+ creating 563 new child care seats across 14 counties). The underlying technology infrastructure is built on Salesforce, making ELI the first early childhood education provider to adopt a supply-first data-driven platform model, complemented by third-party curriculum providers (High Scope, Frog Street, Creative Curriculum) and the LineLeader-powered Family Hub App for parent-teacher communication.

ELI serves three primary customer segments: Indiana families seeking early care and education, early childhood education providers needing professional development and operational support, and employers seeking child care benefits for their workforce. The organization maintains close coordination with the Indiana Office of Early Childhood and Out-of-School Learning and participates in the Indiana Child Care Resource and Referral Network, positioning itself as the state's expert and trusted voice on early childhood education. Leadership is headed by President and CEO Erin Kissling, with executive staff including Chief of Staff Jonathan Dilley, Chief Engagement Officer Tony Felts, and Chief Financial Officer Heidi Babkowski.

Name

Early Learning Indiana

Legal name

Early Learning Indiana

Website

https://earlylearningin.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1899

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Early Learning Indiana is a 125-year-old Indianapolis-based nonprofit that operates 11 Day Early Learning child care centers and administers statewide programs including the Early Learning Marketplace, Early Learning Works employer benefits, and educator professional development solutions to serve Indiana families, providers, and employers.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Early Childhood Education Services

NAICS

Child Care Services (624410), Child Care Services (62441)

SIC

Services-Child Day Care Services (8351)

akta.pro primary industry

Early Childhood Education & Childcare Nonprofits (BPAGADAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Infant & Toddler Classrooms within Childcare Centers (EDACAGAC), Inclusion, Special Needs & Early Intervention Training (IEPs/IFSPs, Neurodiversity) (EDACAIAF), Family Engagement & Parent-Facing Early Learning Content (EDAGACAJ)

Keywords

• Early childhood education
• Child care services
• Employer child care benefits
• Educator professional development
• Early learning marketplace

Headquarters

HQ city

Indianapolis

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Tuition and Fees (Child Care Services): Revenue generated from families paying tuition for child care services at Day Early Learning centers. The organization serves children from infancy through pre-K, with tuition being a primary revenue stream for direct service operations.
2. Government Child Care Subsidies (CCDF/Vouchers): Early Learning Indiana accepts Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) vouchers as payment for child care services. The organization tracks and reports on CCDF rate changes and their impact on provider revenue statewide.
3. Early Learning Works (Employer Partnerships): Child care benefit solutions provided to employers, where employers pay for or subsidize child care access for their employees as a workforce benefit, generating revenue through corporate agreements.
4. Foundation Grants and Philanthropic Donations: Major grants from Lilly Endowment Inc. ($20 million in 2014, $15 million in 2020, $15 million Come Back Stronger Fund), Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation, and other philanthropic organizations support capacity building, quality improvement, workforce development, and program expansion.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Early Learning Indiana operates 11 high-quality Day Early Learning child care centers for children from infancy through pre-K across Indiana, provides the Early Learning Marketplace platform enabling families to search and claim seats at any statewide program in real-time, and delivers Early Learning Works employer-sponsored child care benefit solutions. The organization also offers professional development programs for early childhood educators (Classroom Ready, Building Impact, Resilient Classroom, Boosting Early Language and Literacy, Elevate Learning Project, Expert Voices Series) and statewide advocacy through the Early Years Initiative.

Product overview

Early Learning Indiana operates as a platform-plus-programs organization offering both direct service products and educator support solutions. The core products include Day Early Learning centers (11 high-quality child care facilities for infants through pre-K), the Early Learning Marketplace (a searchable directory and seat-claiming platform for Indiana families), and Early Learning Works (employer-sponsored child care solutions). The organization supports the broader early learning ecosystem through educator solutions including Classroom Ready, Building Impact, Boosting Early Language and Literacy, Elevate Learning Project, Expert Voices Series, and Resilient Classroom. Their Early Years Initiative coordinates five statewide strategies: Child Care Access & Effectiveness, Early Detection & Intervention, Early Language & Literacy, and Parenting Prep & Support. Early Learning Indiana also distributes evidence-based curricula through partnerships including Read It Again! Math, Read It Again! (literacy), Getting on Track, Block Party, High Scope, Frog Street, Experience Early Learning, Creative Curriculum, World of Words, and Kickstart Literacy.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Partnerships for Early Learners: Initiative launched with $20 million Lilly Endowment grant to expand access and improve early childhood education quality across Indiana.
• Early Years Initiative
• Early Learning Works
• Day Early Learning
• All IN 4 Pre-K
• Brighter Futures Indiana
• The Early Learning Marketplace
• Closing the Gap

Products and services

• Day Early Learning High-quality early care and education for infants through pre-K, operating 11 community-based lab schools in Indianapolis and West Lafayette. Used to advance the science of early learning, train the next generation of teachers and leaders, and instill essential skills in children.
• Early Learning Marketplace Innovative online platform providing profiles for all Indiana early learning programs, allowing families to search within target geography, filter based on needs, and claim available seats in real-time.
• Early Learning Works Employer-sponsored child care benefit solutions tailored to meet unique employer and employee needs, designed to reduce turnover and absenteeism, increase productivity, and better recruit skilled employees.
• Classroom Ready Program supporting early childhood educators with resources and training to develop emerging leaders and improve program quality.
• Building Impact Program helping early learning leaders build their identity as strong instructional leaders by learning to optimize classroom practices through coaching and cultivating curiosity.
• Boosting Early Language and Literacy Program focused on developing early language and literacy skills in young children through evidence-based strategies for educators.
• Elevate Learning Project Program transforming learning environments to improve outcomes for young children through intentional space design and curriculum implementation.
• Expert Voices Series Professional development series for early childhood educators featuring expert insights and best practices.
• Resilient Classroom Program helping educators build resilience and sustainability in early childhood classrooms through trauma-informed practices.
• Early Years Initiative Statewide initiative with five key strategies: Child Care Access & Effectiveness, Early Detection & Intervention, Early Language & Literacy, Parenting Prep & Support, and system-level media advocacy to improve outcomes for infants and toddlers across Indiana.
• Day Early Learning Family Hub App Mobile app powered by LineLeader launched at DEL centers to strengthen the connection between families and teachers through timely and informative communication about children's daily activities.

Quantifiable outcome

• Indiana's Early Learning Access Index improved from 60.6 to 62.2 out of 100 between 2021 and 2022.
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

17 partnerships are on record, tiered key, core and minor.

• Westminster PreschoolkeyStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Selected as the operating partner for the Jay County Early Learning Center, bringing expertise and commitment to quality. Provided input on renovation details including color schemes, furniture, and classroom design. Plans to achieve Paths to QUALITY Level 3 designation within year one and national accreditation within two years.
• IU Health Jay HospitalkeyStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Key community partner through its Healthy Beginnings program, providing prenatal and postnatal support focused on improving maternal and infant health outcomes. Navigators will be on-site at the Jay County Early Learning Center to connect families with health resources, car seat training, safe sleep training, and community services.
• Volunteers of America (VOA)keyStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023Early Learning Indiana partnered with VOA to open Day Early Learning at Theodora House, a microsite supporting mothers and children at the VOA facility, expanding access to high-quality early care for families served by VOA.
• SalesforcekeyTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2020Early Learning Indiana became the first early childhood education provider to use a supply-first model backed by intelligent design with a data-driven approach, powered by Salesforce. The new platform creates an effortless experience for families while streamlining operations for Day Early Learning lab schools. Salesforce also provided $600 in matching donations through its corporate giving policy.
• Day Nursery AuxiliarykeyOthers · 1 January 1938Founded in 1938, the Auxiliary has more than 150 members who support Early Learning Indiana through fundraising, volunteer services, and community advocacy. Signature activities include the annual Style Show (34th annual, set a new fundraising record) and Day of Impact volunteer events. Raised $450,000 in 25 years for tuition assistance.
• Indiana Office of Early Childhood and Out-of-School LearningkeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerState agency partner collaborating on the Early Learning Marketplace platform and quality rating and improvement systems. Early Learning Indiana works closely with this office to drive system-level supports for providers statewide.
• Indiana Afterschool NetworkkeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnered with Early Learning Indiana to lead the state-funded Build, Learn, Grow Scholarship program, providing over $68 million in financial support to help Indiana families access high-quality early childhood education and out-of-school care following the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Indiana Child Care Resource and Referral NetworkcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEarly Learning Indiana works closely with the CCRR Network to drive system-level supports that help providers with operations, program resources, and costs. Through Brighter Futures Indiana, ELI provides leadership to parents, partners, and providers statewide.
• Brighter Futures IndianakeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerEarly Learning Indiana provides leadership to parents, partners, and providers through Brighter Futures Indiana, which offers resources to help families and caregivers support young children's learning and development.
• Align Southern IndianakeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnered with Building Blocks to provide quality improvement services to local child care providers through the Regional Training Center (RTC) program as part of the Early Years Initiative. Initially aimed to impact 10 classrooms but quickly engaged providers representing 33 classrooms.
• Building BlockskeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnered with Align Southern Indiana to implement the Regional Training Center (RTC) model, transforming child care providers into early childhood education providers using data-driven and research-based strategies. Provides continuous coaching with weekly check-ins and covers topics including early childhood best practices, social-emotional learning, and classroom management.
• Purdue ExtensionminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartners to deliver the Block Party program, a play-based initiative that builds math, early engineering, social, and physical skills through free play with blocks. Delivered in-person through Purdue Extension across 1-2 months of training followed by ongoing implementation.
• United Way of Central IndianakeyGTM or Marketing PartnerEarly Learning Indiana helped create and launch All IN 4 Pre-K in 2016, a coalition of families, community advocates, and business leaders working together to expand access to high-quality pre-K in Indiana, in partnership with United Way of Central Indiana.
• Indiana Arts CommissionminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEarly Learning Indiana partnered with Arts for Learning through Indiana Arts Commission grant funding to host creative family engagement events at Day Early Learning centers, with permanent art installations created from family artwork.
• Early Childhood AlliancekeyStrategic or Co-development Partner2022 Closing the Gap grant recipient operating in Allen County and Kosciusko County, working to expand child care capacity and quality through the Early Years Initiative.
• Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest IndianakeyStrategic or Co-development Partner2022 Closing the Gap grant recipient in Lake County, working to expand access to high-quality early learning as part of Early Learning Indiana's grant program.
• Habitat for Humanity of Northwest IndianakeyStrategic or Co-development Partner2022 Closing the Gap grant recipient in Porter County, partnering to ensure both affordable housing and child care through a co-located development model.

Scale indicators12 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Child Care Aware of America: National nonprofit child care resource and referral network. Directly comparable to ELI's CCRR leadership role and statewide advocacy infrastructure serving families and providers.
• First Things First (Arizona): Arizona's statewide early childhood development and health fund. Closely comparable to ELI as a state-level nonprofit that funds ECE programs, conducts access research, and operates as the state's backbone ECE convener.
• National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC): National nonprofit membership association setting professional standards, accreditation, and accreditation systems for early childhood educators. Comparable as the national standards/quality backbone that complements ELI's educator solutions and quality improvement work.
• Smart Start (North Carolina): North Carolina's statewide early childhood nonprofit partnership. Comparable as a state-level public-private partnership funding ECE access, quality, and workforce development — very similar structural model to ELI.

Broad incumbents

• Bright Horizons Family Solutions: Large national child care and employer-sponsored backup care provider. Comparable as a scaled operator of high-quality centers plus employer child care benefits — the same dual model ELI pursues through Day Early Learning and Early Learning Works, but at national scale.
• KinderCare Education: One of the largest U.S. private child care operators. Comparable as a multi-state center operator serving infants through pre-K, though KinderCare is for-profit while ELI is nonprofit.
• Primrose Schools: Large national franchise operator of accredited private early childhood education schools. Comparable as a multi-state center operator, though proprietary and tuition-based vs. ELI's nonprofit/grant-supported model.

Regional players

• Child Care Resources (Seattle): Washington-state nonprofit child care resource and referral organization. Comparable as a regional nonprofit combining direct child care services, R&R, and provider training — similar operating model to ELI but serving a different geography.

Others

• United Way Worldwide: National umbrella nonprofit coordinating local United Ways, including United Way of Central Indiana which is a major ELI funder and All IN 4 Pre-K partner. Comparable as a funder/coalition orchestrator in early childhood and family-support services.
• Teaching Strategies: Provider of early childhood curriculum (Creative Curriculum) and assessment tools. Comparable as the curriculum vendor ELI distributes to providers — represents the infrastructure layer on which ELI's educator solutions build.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/earlylearningin
• YouTubeyoutube.com/earlylearningin
• Facebookfacebook.com/earlylearningindiana
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/early-learning-indiana

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Subsidiaries7 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds2 records

Investors2 records

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M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Early Learning Indiana