ABOUT THE EARLY LEARNING ADVISORY COMMITTEE
ELAC is working to ensure that children ages birth to 8 years and their families have access to affordable, high-quality early childhood education programs that keep children healthy, safe and learning.
Setting the Course for Success
ELAC was established in 2013 by the Indiana General Assembly (IC 12-17.2-3.7). Committee membership is appointed by the Governor and includes representation from the FSSA Office of Early Childhood and Out of School Learning (formerly The Bureau of Child Care), the Indiana Department of Education, Indiana Head Start State Collaboration Office, an early childhood education program, business sector, and faith-based community.
Reaching Goal 2020 requires concerted action, not just from ELAC, but on the part of all stakeholders.
The committee's responsibilities include:
RESEARCH / ANALYZE
Conducting periodic statewide needs assessments concerning the quality and availability of early education programs for children from birth to the age of school entry, including the availability of high quality prekindergarten education for low income children in Indiana.
PROMOTE COLLABORATION
Identifying opportunities for and barriers to collaboration and coordination among federally and state funded child development, child care, and early childhood education programs and services, including governmental agencies that administer the programs and services.
ENHANCE THE INFRASTRUCTURE
Assessing the capacity and effectiveness of two and four year public and private higher education institutions in Indiana for the support and development of early educators including professional development and career advancement plans and practice or internships with or prekindergarten programs.
MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS
Recommending to the Division procedures, policies, and eligibility criteria for the Early Education Matching Grant program.