The goal for this project is to expand access to childcare in ages birth to 5 through increase in capacity, quality, and choice of childcare providers in Rush County by December 2025. Grant funds will be used to advance these goals by 2023 including the addition of 10 new seats in birth to 5, implementation of best practice curriculum and assessment, professional development for childcare staff, and recruitment and education of families, leading to choosing licensed, high quality childcare. Overall, high quality childcare is lacking, with only 20% of eligible children in Rush County enrolled in a known program (Early Learning Access Index, 2021). Rush County is one of six counties in Indiana that does not have any centers. Rush (30.8) is the fourth lowest access county in the state. Additionally, Rush currently has a kindergarten retention rate of 8.1% compared to the state average of 4.4% suggesting the need for high quality access to early learning (ELAC, 2020).
*Jeri McCorkle, Coordinator, First5. McCorkle is a former elementary school teacher with a M.S. in Elementary Education and has been leading the First5 coalition since 2018. Under her leadership, McCorkle has convened a steering committee made of local business, health, community volunteers, and educators who are interested in advancing the needs of children birth to five in Rush County, added over $33,000 in grant funding to the community to create a diaper pantry, address safe sleep practices, support early childhood literacy, and support early care and education programs. McCorkle will serve as the project director.
*Rush County Community Foundation has been in existence since 1991 with an endowment of nearly seven million dollars. RCCF has made a commitment to fund early childhood initiatives through donor advised and community grants. RCCF has a history of managing large grants to benefit the community. Most recently, RCCF was awarded five million dollars through the Lilly Endowment to support the development of a Community Center.
*My Bright Beginnings Daycare & Preschool, led by Director Lauren Perin, has been in operation since 2013. A licensed facility and current Paths To Quality level 3, the facility has a goal to reach Level 4 through this grant period. Perin is active in First5 and regularly mentors other childcare providers through a Facebook group she created for Rush County. Perin holds a B.S. in Early Childhood and Elementary Education from Ball State University.
*Lil’ Tigers Preschool at Mays Community Academy is led by Director Trish Mastin. Lil’ Tigers Preschool is a licensed facility and current Paths to Quality level 4. Mastin is active in First5 and regularly promotes the benefits of licensed and quality childcare access for families through community events, the county fair, and social service agencies. Mastin holds an Associates Degree in Early Childhood education
*Rush County Resource, Education, and Community Center (REC) is the product of county wide strategic planning including the city of Rushville, rural Rush County, and RCCF to repurpose a former Walmart site to bring resources together in one location. The REC Center is made possible through major funding from the Lilly Endowment, state grants, and local donors. The REC Center will provide vital services and amenities including social services, childcare, recreation, and education. Phil King, Chair of the REC Board and John McCane, Rush County Economic Development Director will provide expertise to open seats at that location by 2025.
