Early Childhood Resources
We encourage you to reach out to these resource providers directly for more information. Please share recommendations of organizations to be considered for this page to support and assist Early Educators and Programs. See the form at the bottom of the page for recommendations.
Brighter Futures Indiana
Description: families and educators with resources and support to ensure children have access to high-quality early childhood education. Services: Parenting tips, educational resources, and guidance on finding high-quality early care and education programs. (800) 299-1627 | brighterfutures@earlylearningindiana.org | https://brighterfuturesindiana.org/
Brightpoint
Description: A nonprofit organization that helps families and individuals in Northern Indiana achieve self-sufficiency, offering programs related to early childhood education and family support. Services: Childcare assistance (Voucher) for St. Joseph County. (800) 589-2264 l info@mybrightpoint.org l https://mybrightpoint.org/
Community Learning Center at The Downtown South Bend Library
Description: A resource center within the South Bend Library. Services: Meeting room space is available by reservation for 6 to 150 available for Professional Development, Staff & Parent Events. (574) 282-4646 l info@sjcpl.org l https://sjcpl.org/meeting-rooms/
Conscious Discipline
Description: A comprehensive social-emotional learning program that integrates discipline with emotional intelligence, focusing on creating safe, connected and problem-solving school and home environments. Services: Training for educators and families, resources for social-emotional learning, and professional development. (877) 411-9505 | support@consciousdiscipline.com | https://consciousdiscipline.com/
Early Learning Indiana
Description: A nonprofit organization dedicated to improving early childhood education in Indiana through advocacy, direct services, and program support. Services: Early learning programs, professional development, grants and advocacy for early childhood education. (317) 636-9197 l info@earlylearningindiana.org l https://earlylearningin.org/
Early Childhood CDA Training Center, LLC
Description: Provides training and support for early childhood educators to obtain their Child Development Associate (CDA) credentials. Services: CDA preparation courses, professional development, and certification support. (317) 508-8308 l info@easycdatraining.org l https://www.easycdatraining.org/
Family Connection of St. Joseph County
Description: Provides support and resources to early childhood educators to enhance the developmental outcomes for children. Services: High Scope Training, early childhood education professional development and resources l (574) 237-9740 l https://www.famconn.org/
First Steps at Logan Community Resources
Description: An early intervention program providing services to infants and toddlers with developmental delays or disabilities in St. Joseph County. Services: Developmental assessments, early intervention services, and family support. (574) 289-4831 | firststeps@logancenter.org | https://www.logancenter.org/services-child-adolescent
Geminus Child Care Resource and Referral
Description: Provides resources and support to families seeking childcare and to childcare providers in Northern Indiana, including St. Joseph County. Services: Childcare referrals, training for childcare providers, and family resources. (800) 866-8312 | info@geminus.org | http://www.geminus.org/Child-Care-Resources.html
HighScope
Description: A research-based early childhood education program known for its active learning approach and its emphasis on children’s active involvement in their learning. Services: Curriculum development, training, assessment tools and resources for early childhood educators. (800) 587-5639 | info@highscope.org | https://highscope.org/
Indiana AEYC (Indiana Association for the Education of Young Children)
Description: A professional organization that promotes high-quality early learning for all children by connecting practice, policy, and research. Services: Professional development for educators, CDA training, Accreditation Project, advocacy, and resources for early childhood education. (800) 657-7577 | info@inaeyc.org | https://inaeyc.org/
la casa de amistad
Description: A community center that supports the Latino/Hispanic community in St. Joseph County, including programs for young children. Services: Early childhood education programs, bilingual resources, and family support. (574) 233-2120 | info@lacasadeamistad.org | la casa de amistad
logan Community Resource center
Description: Provides various community services including early childhood education and family support programs. Services: Early childhood education, family support services, and community resources. (574) 289-4831 | info@logancenter.org | https://www.logancenter.org/
Mental Health of Michiana (MHAM)
Description: Provides free counseling services to the Michiana community through their Pro Bono Counseling Project. Services: Free counseling and mental health support. (574) 255-6000 | info@mham-nd.org | Mental Health of Michiana
Mishawaka Schools Growing Together Preschool
Description: A preschool program with Mishawaka Schools focusing on early childhood development and education. Services: Early childhood education, developmental screenings, and family engagement. (574) 254-4500 | growingtogether@mishawaka.k12.in.us
NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children)
Description: The leading organization for early childhood professionals, providing resources, accreditation, and advocacy for high-quality early education. Services: Accreditation, professional development, and resources for early childhood educators. (202) 232-8777 | naeyc@naeyc.org | https://www.naeyc.org/
NAFCC (National Association for Family Child Care)
Description: A national organization that supports family child care providers by offering resources, training, and advocacy. Services: Professional development, advocacy for family child care, and resources for providers. (800) 359-3795 | info@nafcc.org | https://nafcc.org/
Oaklawn
Description: Provides mental health services and support, including early childhood mental health services. Services: Behavioral health services, early childhood mental health support, and family counseling. (574) 283-1234 | info@oaklawn.org | https://oaklawn.org/
Office of Early Childhood & Out of School Learning (OECLS)
Description: Oversees early childhood education and out-of-school programs in Indiana, providing resources, regulations, and support. Services: Licensing, quality improvement initiatives, and support for early childhood and out-of-school programs. (317) 232-0842 | oecls@fssa.in.gov | https://www.in.gov/fssa/carefinder/
On My Way Pre-K
Description: A state-funded program providing pre-K scholarships to eligible children from low-income families to attend high-quality early childhood programs. Services: Scholarships for pre-K education, eligibility assessments, and program support. (800) 299-1627 | https://brighterfuturesindiana.org/on-my-way-pre-k
OneRoof Southeast Neighborhood Center
Description: A community resource center focused on serving Southeast South Bend with programs for children, families, and individuals. Services: Early childhood education programs, family support, and community engagement activities. 574) 287-9925 | info@oneroof.org | https://uwsjc.org/oneroof/southeast/
Paths to Quality
Description: Indiana’s quality rating and improvement system for early childhood education programs, providing resources and support to enhance program quality. Services: Quality ratings, professional development, and resources for early childhood education programs. (800) 299-1627 | https://www.in.gov/fssa/pathstoquality/
Purdue Extension- St. Joseph County
Description: Part of the statewide extension network with Purdue University. Provides research-based educational programs and resources to residents in the community. Services: Encompass a wide range of topics including: 1) Agriculture and Natural Resources 2) Health and Human Sciences 3) 4H 4) Development & Community Development
574-235-9605 l https://extension.purdue.edu/county/stjoseph/index.html
Ready to Grow St. Joe
Description: Focuses on improving the development, learning, health and school readiness of children in St. Joseph County by connecting families and early educators/programs to resources and providing support for early childhood education. Services: Early childhood professional development programs, grants, resource connections, community events and advocacy. (574) 298-3353 | tkosik@saintmarys.edu | https://www.readytogrowstjoe.com/
SNAP (South Bend Schools Special Needs and Abilities Preschool)
Description: A specialized preschool program within South Bend Community Schools for children with special needs and abilities. Services: Early childhood education tailored to children with special needs, including individualized education plans (IEPs). (574)393-6000 | info@sb.school | https://www.sb.school/
South Bend Community School Corporation - Early Childhood Programs
Description: Provides preschool and early childhood education programs within the public school system. Services: Pre-K programs, special education services, and early learning curriculum. (574) 393-6000 | info@sb.school | https://www.sb.school/
SPARK Learning Lab
Description: Offers coaching, training, and resources to support early childhood education providers across Indiana. Services: Professional development, technical assistance, and support for early learning programs. (800) 299-1627 | info@sparklearninglab.org l https://indianaspark.com/
St. Joseph County Public Library - Youth Services
Description: Offers a variety of programs and resources for young children and their families. Services: Storytimes, early literacy programs, and educational resources. (574) 282-4646 | youthservices@sjcpl.org | https://sjcpl.org/
Teaching Strategies / Creative Curriculum
Description: Provides early childhood education resources and curriculum materials to support effective teaching practices and child development. Services: Curriculum materials, professional development, resources and assessment tools. (800) 637-3652 l info@teachingstrategies.com | https://teachingstrategies.com/
United Way of St. Joseph County
Description: Supports various initiatives related to early childhood education, health, and family stability. Services: Early education and literacy programs, and community collaborations. (574) 232-8201 | info@uwsjc.org | https://uwsjc.org/
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Early Childhood Academic CourSework
Where can an early childhood education academic degree be obtained in St. Joseph County and/or statewide in Indiana? Note: T.E.A.C.H. Scholarship may be available to assist with funding early childhood coursework. T.E.A.C.H. Scholarship Info: https://inaeyc.org/programs/teach/
St. Joseph County
1. Indiana University South Bend (IUSB)
Description: Offers undergraduate and graduate programs in early childhood education. Online Master’s.
Programs: Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education, Master’s in Early Childhood Education.
2. IVY TECH South Bend Elkhart
Description: Offers associate degrees and certificates in early childhood education with online and in-person options.
Programs: Associate of Science in Early Childhood Education, various certificates and CDA.
Website: https://www.ivytech.edu
3. Bethel College
Description: Provides undergraduate and graduate programs focusing on early childhood education and development. Programs: Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education, Master’s in Early Childhood Education l admissions@betheluniversity.edu
Statewide in Indiana
Ball State University
Description: Provides undergraduate and graduate programs in early childhood education, including online options.
Programs: Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education, Master’s in Early Childhood Education, Online Master’s.
Phone: (765) 285-8560
Email: education@bsu.edu
Purdue University
Description: Offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in early childhood education, with both in-person and online options.
Programs: Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education, Master’s in Early Childhood Education, Online Master’s.
Phone: (765) 494-4600
Email: earlychildhood@purdue.edu
Website: Purdue Early Childhood Education
University of Indianapolis
Description: Offers degree programs in early childhood education with various formats including online.
Programs: Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education, Master’s in Early Childhood Education.
Phone: (317) 788-3217
Email: admissions@uindy.edu
Website: University of Indianapolis Early Childhood Education
Anderson University
Description: Provides undergraduate and graduate programs in early childhood education with options for online study.
Programs: Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education, Master’s in Early Childhood Education.
Phone: (800) 428-6414
Email: admissions@anderson.edu
Indiana Wesleyan University
Description: Offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees in early childhood education with online and in-person options.
Programs: Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education, Master’s in Early Childhood Education.
Phone: (877) 367-5947
Email: admission@indwes.edu