The Boone County Early Learning Coalition is proud to announce the inaugural Energize, Educate & Empower: Wellness & Appreciation Day for Early Learning Professionals, taking place on Saturday, Nov. 8,, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Boone County 4-H Fairgrounds, Witham Pavilion.
Funded by a grant from United Way of Central Indiana, the Boone County Early Learning Coalition designed this event to celebrate, support, and equip the county’s early learning workforce with practical tools for wellbeing and classroom excellence. Child care providers, caregivers, and early childhood educators are invited for a full day of connection, professional development, and appreciation.
“This day is about restoring energy, building practical skills, and reminding our educators they are deeply valued. When we invest in the wellbeing of those who care for our youngest learners, the whole community benefits.”
Event Highlights
- Earn Six (6) State Training Hours
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Special Gift Bags Provided
- Networking with Local Peers and Community Partners
- Inspiring Keynote Speakers:
- Andrea Hatfield (Purdue Extension Educator & Director): Local Boone County resident known for her engaging Real Colors workshops and decades of experience in education, Andrea brings practical tools for team building, communication, and stress management.
- Erin Ramsey (Author & National Speaker): With over 30 years in early childhood education, Erin’s uplifting presentations – such as “Energize Your Impact, Reclaim Your Joy” and “Battling Burnout: 7 Ways to Get the Spring Back in Your Step” – offer real-world strategies for joy, resilience, and leadership.
- Registration
- Cost: Free. Capacity is limited; advance registration required.
- Register by October 25 at https://www.greenvelope.com/event/energize-educate-empower
- For accessibility or language accommodations, please note requests during registration or contact mhight-thomas@boonecountyearlylearning.org.
Why This Event Matters
Boone County’s early learning professionals are the backbone of our local economy. Every day, they face high turnover, low pay, and inconsistent staffing – challenges that lead to burnout and chronic stress. Despite these obstacles, they show up with dedication and heart, making it possible for parents to work and businesses to thrive. The early learning workforce is the workforce that supports all others, deserving our gratitude and investment.
According to the Boone County Child Care Analysis Report, most children under six need care because all parents in the home work; the county still has a seat gap relative to demand; and the average annual cost of care remains high compared to state averages. Quality programs are in demand, and providers face staffing and wage pressures that contribute to stress and burnout.
Boone County is one of Indiana’s fastest-growing communities, with a 26% population increase over the past decade and a projected 16% rise in young children by 2035. Yet, access to high-quality, affordable child care remains a critical challenge. According to the recent Boone County Child Care Analysis Report:
- 67% of children under 6 need care because all parents in the home are working.
- Boone County faces a gap of over 600 child care seats, with only 75% of demand currently met.
- The average annual cost of child care is $11,232 – well above the state average – forcing some families to spend up to 44% of their income on care.
- Only 26% of local programs are rated high quality, and workforce shortages persist due to low wages and high demand.
Recent cuts to child care funding in Indiana are expected to significantly affect local communities, widening the gap between supply and demand for affordable, quality care. In response, the Boone County Early Learning Coalition is dedicated to collaborative action – building capacity, supporting early learning providers, advocating for increased investment, and developing a sustainable financing strategy to ensure every child and family has access to the care they need in Boone County.
ABOUT THE BOONE COUNTY EARLY LEARNING COALITION
Launched in 2024, the Boone County Child Care Study laid the foundation for the Boone County Early Learning Coalition, made possible through funding secured by the Boone Economic Development Corporation from the Office of Early Childhood and Out-of-School Learning, the Community Foundation of Boone County, Eli Lilly, Witham Health Services, and Traditions Realty.
ABOUT THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF BOONE COUNTY
The Community Foundation of Boone County exists to unite people, organizations, and philanthropy to create a thriving community for all. Since 1991, its leaders have worked to empower and engage local communities to make a difference right here in Boone County, while also leading a vision to collaboratively address the root causes of challenges facing Boone County in diverse and equitable ways. The Community Foundation continues to invest in the people working to fill local needs and has granted more than $31 million to nonprofit organizations and programs working to solve critical challenges in Boone County. With more than $40 million in assets, the Community Foundation works with donors to create permanent funds for charitable giving, to strengthen Boone County for generations to come.