Indy Chamber, United Way Partner to Boost Quality of Child Care Centers

Funded by the Family and Social Services Administration allocation of the Federal Child Care and Development Block Grant, the coaching will assist child care centers in Boone, Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks, Morgan and Marion counties.

"We know that making an impact on the lives of children at an early age can ultimately lead to greater quality of life for years to come, and that is one reason why we are excited to be a part of this program that helps boost the quality of care for our region's youngest children," said Michael Huber, president and CEO of the Indy Chamber. "We welcome this new collaborative, engaging environment that allows us and fellow community leaders to work together to grow, strengthen and invest in our children, our community and our future."

BOI coaches will counsel 60 child care administrators over two years in areas such as cash management, accounting, finance, operations, products, services, marketing, management, business planning and more. Participating facilities were selected by United Way as providers advancing on the state's Paths to QUALITY voluntary rating system.

"We are pleased that our community's small business experts have agreed to use their knowledge and skills to help high quality child cares sustain their quality gains," said Ann D. Murtlow, United Way's president and chief executive officer. "It's a great example of collaboration at work to build on United Way's own long-term commitment to high quality early learning."

Business coaching sessions will occur weekly for up to six months beginning in early September. The success of the coaching will be assessed at the end of the six-months and based on each director's progress and improvement.

The program kicks off on August 26 when Indy Chamber business coaches will overview the coaching process and expectations for participants.

This new partnership pairs well with current Indy Chamber projects surrounding early childhood education. In early 2014, the Indy Chamber was tasked with leading an Economic Impact of Early Childhood Education study. Projected to be released later this year, this comprehensive report aims to present evidence of the widespread economic value of public investment in early childhood education.

About Indy Chamber

The Indy Chamber is the voiceof progress and improvement for the Indianapolis region's business community. With membership of nearly 2,500 businesses representing 230,000 employees in the Indianapolis region, the Indy Chamber is leading the effort to strengthen the business climate, improve the state of education, revitalize neighborhoods and enhance the region's workforce. In 2012, the Indy Chamber merged with Indy Partnership, Develop Indy, and Business Ownership Initiative. For more information about the Indy Chamber, visit IndyChamber.com.

About United Way of Central Indiana 

United Way of Central Indiana helps people learn more, earn more and lead safe and healthy lives. United Way gets things done by mobilizing people and community partners in six Central Indiana counties to identify, advance and advocate the best solutions. LIVE UNITED is a call to action for everyone to be part of the change. Visit uwci.org to learn more. 

###

Media Contacts:

Molly Deuberry, Indy Chamber, 317.442.1757, [email protected] 

Mary L. Kinney, United Way of Central Indiana, 317.921.1224 or 317.498.0647, [email protected]