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On North Meridian Center's fifth floor, a dynamic and multifunctional space designed to support not only students but also faculty and the broader community is now taking shape. The new Early Childhood Education Collaborative Community Center serves as the central hub for the Early Childhood Education (ECED) and Elementary and Secondary Education (EDUC) programs at ������Ƶ’s Indianapolis campus. More than just a classroom—it’s a community space, office, and small conference area rolled into one.

“The aesthetics are pleasing and inviting. The many windows allow for natural light, which is a mood booster,” Rose Wilson, program chair for early childhood education at ������Ƶ Indianapolis and the grant director overseeing this initiative, said of the new space. “My hope is that the space communicates to people that a love for learning, creating, and caring is happening all around. “

Supporting Students Through the Grant

The Early Childhood Education Collaborative Community Center would not be possible without a , which has already significantly impacted students’ lives.��

One of the key initiatives is providing stipends to ECED students enrolled in practicum courses.��

“Often, students must leave their places of employment for practicum, which results in income loss,” Wilson explains. “The stipend has helped to support students in recovering any financial losses as a result of engaging in practicum.” 

The stipends also help cover expenses like gas, teaching supplies, and professional clothing, easing the financial burden on students.

In addition to stipends, the grant has supported single-parent students by funding summer camp opportunities for their children.��

“Single-parent students enrolled in any program with good academic standing can apply for summer camp funding for their child(ren) if they take six or more credit hours in the summer,” Wilson says. This initiative helps student parents balance their education and family responsibilities.

The grant has also funded loaner laptops for students in need, though these are still being prepared for distribution through IvyCares.��

“The loaner laptops are intended to support single-parent students who need access to technology,” Wilson notes.

A Space Designed for Collaboration and Innovation

The Early Childhood Education Collaborative Community Center is a standout resource for students and faculty. The space features a mock preschool setting with materials and equipment for hands-on practice, a maker space for creating bulletin boards and teaching materials, and a lounge area designed to be welcoming and relaxing.��

“From the children’s book collection and materials to the teaching equipment and resources for faculty; it builds excitement and motivation for all,” Wilson said.��

The center is designed to cater to both academic and community needs. It can hold one class at a time, with additional space for students to practice with equipment and materials.��

“The community piece will come in when we hold small events or when our community partners ask to tour the space or hold a meeting,” Wilson explains.��

The center has a capacity of approximately 30 people on the classroom side, making it a versatile space for a variety of activities.

Inspiring the Vision for the Center

The vision for the Center was inspired by a stakeholder convening session held in spring 2023.��

“We listened to what our community partners and stakeholders had to say and responded to some of their suggestions,” Wilson says.

 The initiative also aligns with ������Ƶ’s broader goal of supporting single parents in college.��

“Since the pandemic, there has been a spotlight on the disparities in early childhood education environments, such as high turnover rates, low morale, and low wages,” Rose adds. “We needed to find a way to bring positivity and hope to the profession.”

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Future Initiatives and Workforce Development

The grant will also fund the creation of early childhood micro-credentials and apprenticeships, providing students with additional pathways to success. Additionally, ������Ƶ is exploring the possibility of adding on-campus childcare, a move that would further support student parents and the community.

Rose is particularly excited about the potential for new programs and initiatives in the space.��

“Both ECED and EDUC have Science of Reading initiatives that are new to each curriculum,” she says. “We hope to expand and offer summer training to teachers who want to enhance their knowledge and skills in using the Science of Reading pedagogy. We also plan to hold a Conscious Discipline workshop for our students, with spaces reserved for single-parent students.”

A Rewarding Experience

For Rose, overseeing the grant has been an enriching experience.��

“There have been many rewarding things: we get to work closer with our EDUC colleagues by sharing office space and the entire room with them, planning the space and purchasing some cool equipment has been fun, and of course, finding ways to get money and services to students to alleviate financial burdens has been incredibly fulfilling,” she says.

A Message to Prospective Students and the Community

Rose has a clear message for prospective students and the community: “We offer a space for learning for everyone that is calming, encourages creativity, and exploration, and engages people in critical thinking.”

The Early Childhood Education Collaborative Community Center is a testament to ������Ƶ’s commitment to innovation, student success, and community engagement. Whether it’s through providing resources like loaner laptops, offering stipends to practicum students, or creating new pathways for workforce development, the center is poised to make a lasting impact.

“We’re just getting started,” Wilson says. “This is the beginning of something truly special for our students and our community.”

Learn More:

• WRTV’s coverage of ������Ƶ’s efforts to address the childcare workforce shortage and create new education pathways.
• highlighting ������Ƶ’s partnership with the YMCA to support single-parent students.