Regional Forum: Strengthening Child Care

Access to high-quality early childhood education is essential for a thriving community, yet child care and early learning remain a growing concern for families, employers, and educators alike. Recognizing this urgent need, the Montgomery County Early Childhood Coalition was established to build a coordinated network of support for young children and their families. At this IPA Regional Forum, we’ll explore how collective action is elevating early education in Montgomery County through strategic planning, community collaboration, and targeted investments. Emerging from a Workforce Development Round Table, a Child Care Task Force was formed in 2019 to assess gaps in early childhood education and create a sustainable, long-term strategy for strengthening the system.

Through this initiative, local government, employers, schools, nonprofits, and early childhood providers have come together to:

• Expand access to high-quality child care for families across Montgomery County.
• Strengthen the early childhood workforce through training, coaching, and professional development.
• Enhance educational outcomes for children by ensuring they enter school ready to succeed.

At this event, you’ll:

• Hear from local leaders and experts shaping the future of early childhood education.
• Gain insights from the county’s strategic plan and learn about innovative solutions in action.
• Explore how philanthropy, business, and community partnerships can sustain and scale these efforts.

About IPA Regional Forums

Every other year, in our off-conference cycle, IPA hosts Regional Forums—high-impact gatherings where we spotlight successful philanthropic initiatives from our members. These not-to-miss events bring together philanthropy and community partners to explore solutions to universal challenges and uncover strategies for scaling impact across Indiana. In 2025, our Regional Forums will focus on economic mobility—examining how philanthropy can create pathways to prosperity for Hoosier families.

2025 SCHEDULE

• Cradle to Career | June 11 | Muncie, IN
• Healthy Beginnings | September 10 | Porter County, IN 
• Strengthening Child Care | November 13 | Montgomery County, IN