IPA Field Trip | Rensselaer, IN Early Learning Solution

Join us for an IPA Field Trip to Rensselaer, Indiana, where innovation meets community spirit in the face of child care challenges. Dive into an inspiring story of resilience and collaboration that led Jasper and Newton Counties to launch a certified child care center in collaboration with Appleseed Childhood Education. This achievement marks a significant milestone in addressing the acute shortage of high-quality, affordable early education options across Indiana communities.

Lace up your sneakers! Our dress code for the Field Trip is casual. But that's not the only element we're keeping casual. This is not a workshop. The format of this experiential event is designed to accommodate your questions and create an informal dialogue about the project.

Event Highlights

• Innovative Solutions: Learn how the Jasper Newton Foundation, Appleseed Childhood Education, and Franciscan Health Rensselaer united to transform a pressing need into a sustainable asset for the community—in the absence of state funding support.

• Interactive Tour: Explore the early child care center up close. Situated on the Franciscan Health Rensselaer campus, this facility is a testament to what can be achieved through community resolve and innovative thinking.

• Engaging Discussions: Join conversations with the visionaries behind this project. Learn about their journey, the challenges they overcame, and the victories that paved the way for this essential community resource.

• Sustainability Talks: Discuss ensuring the long-term success of these initiatives, from community certification efforts to enhancing local in-home childcare programs and tackling workforce development challenges.

• Networking Opportunities: Engage your peers in philanthropy, project leaders, and community stakeholders. Share insights, experiences, and strategies for replicating this model in other rural communities facing similar challenges.

Why Attend?

• Discover the transformative power of collaborative efforts in addressing child care deserts in rural Indiana.

• Gain valuable knowledge related to leveraging various funding mechanisms in support of essential community services.

• Participate in collaborative discussions on long-term sustainability and the replication of successful models in similar contexts.

• Connect with like-minded professionals in philanthropy and community development for future collaborations and knowledge exchange.