Our Children Today, Our Leaders Tomorrow
Founded in 2018 and granted tax-exempt status in 2019, Early Learning Shelby County focuses on advancing early childhood education within the region. Our team consists of individuals with extensive expertise in early childhood education policy, practices, and organizational leadership, which strengthens our organization. From our executive director to our board leadership, each member is united by a shared commitment to our mission: ensuring that every child possesses the foundational skills required for success in kindergarten and beyond.
We fulfill this mission by launching high-quality early learning centers operated by vetted providers, assisting families in securing quality childcare, collaborating with school corporations and private providers to enhance program quality, and advocating for expanded early educational opportunities for all families in Shelby County.
Why Early Childhood Education?
The early years of a child’s life are essential for the health and well-being of children, families, and society as a whole. Ninety percent of brain development takes place before a child starts kindergarten. The Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University states that “in the first few years of life, more than 1 million new neural connections form every second.”
High-quality caregiving and education during this crucial stage of life is essential for enabling children to acquire the cognitive and social-emotional skills necessary for a lifetime of success. Studies clearly demonstrate that children who experience high-quality early childhood education are 25% more likely to graduate high school, four times more likely to complete a bachelor’s degree or higher, and can earn up to 25% more as adults. Investing in high-quality early childhood education for all children is not only a moral imperative but also a smart economic strategy. Nobel Prize-winning economist James Heckman has proven that for every dollar invested in early childhood programs, society reaps an impressive $6.30 return.
Quality Early Education
Early learning development begins well before a child starts kindergarten. A child’s growth is enhanced through regular interaction and stimulation both at home and in quality early learning environments. Early learning builds the foundation for school readiness by cultivating the cognitive and social skills children need to thrive in school and life, such as language, focus, persistence, kindness, and self-control.
Lifelong Gains
Investing in early childhood education promotes upward mobility by giving children a strong foundation for future success. Those with quality early education tend to earn more, live healthier, avoid incarceration, build strong families, and contribute positively to society.
Community Growth
Employers depend on affordable, quality child care to maintain a strong workforce – but it’s often out of reach for many. Many parents cannot participate in the workforce at all because of a lack of affordable, reliable care for their children. Providing families with access to quality, affordable child care and early education will create a more efficient and productive Shelby County workforce.
Nurturing Growth in Shelby County’s Youngest Learners
Early Learning Shelby County provides valuable information to empower families like yours in finding the highest-quality learning experiences for their children. These resources are designed to support you on your journey as your child’s first and most important teacher.
Find Quality Early Education
Providing access to trusted programs that support development from birth to age five.
Family Financial Support Services
Offering financial resources and guidance to empower parents and caregivers.
Comprehensive Child Development
Focusing on quality care and holistic growth to prepare children for lifelong learning success.
