Investing in Early Childhood Education Means Investing in Indiana’s Future
By CiHedda Alexander
For nearly 20 years, I have had the privilege of welcoming Indiana’s youngest learners into my family child care programs. Today, I proudly own and operate DollBaby’s Day Care, a Path to QUALITYTM Level 4 program, and DollBaby’s Day Care ½, a Path to QUALITYTM Level 3 program. Both programs proudly participate in Indiana’s On My Way Pre-K program, providing high-quality early childhood education in nurturing, home-based environments.
During my career, I have celebrated first steps, first words, Pre-K graduations, and countless milestones with children and families. I have watched children grow into confident learners, compassionate friends, and successful students. Seeing those children return years later to share their accomplishments reminds me why I chose this profession. Family child care is more than my career; it is my calling.
When I first became licensed, I knew I wanted to provide more than just child care. I wanted to provide high-quality early childhood education that would prepare children for lifelong success. That commitment led me to obtain my Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, and today I am continuing my education in Early Childhood Education through the INAEYC TEACH Scholarship Program. I also allow IVY Tech Community College students to come to my child care and do their practicum.
When I became licensed, Indiana expected family child care educators to pursue a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential within three years. That expectation challenged me to grow professionally. It didn’t discourage me; it inspired me.
I have spent years working my way through Indiana’s Path to Quality system, progressing from Level 1 to Level 4. I became nationally accredited through the National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC) and now serve as a NAFCC Accredited Observer, helping other providers achieve the same level of excellence. I also proudly serve as the NAFCC State Representative for Indiana Region A, where I work to elevate the voices of family child care providers and strengthen connections within our profession.
Education changed the way I teach, the way I build relationships with families, and the way I lead. It also inspired me to continue learning, earn national accreditation, mentor other providers, return to college, and advocate for the family child care profession at the local, state, and national levels.
Indiana should continue investing in early childhood education by expanding access to scholarships such as the INAEYC TEACH Scholarship Program, as well as to coaching, mentorship, and leadership development opportunities. When providers grow professionally, children benefit.
Along the way, I’m the founder and President of Empower Family Child Care of Indiana, Inc., a provider-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting, mentoring, and advocating for family child care professionals across our state.
In addition, I serve as the Director of Public Policy for the INAEYC Home-Based Affinity Chapter (HBAC). Through this role, I have learned that meaningful policy begins by listening to the people who work with children everywhere.
None of these accomplishments happened overnight. They required time, dedication, education, and a commitment to continuous improvement.
Early Childhood Educators are educators, entrepreneurs, advocates, and community leaders. We care for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-age children. We support parents so they can work, attend school, and strengthen Indiana’s economy. We are an essential part of our state’s early childhood system.
We need to move beyond simply asking providers to comply with regulations. We should invite them to help shape them.
Early Childhood Educators bring decades of lived experience. We understand what works, what creates unintended challenges, and what children and families truly need. Our voices should be viewed as a resource, not an afterthought.
As the founder of Empower Family Child Care of Indiana, Director of Pubic Policy for the INAEYC Home-Based Affinity Chapter, and NAFCC State Representative for Indiana Region A, I believe collaboration is the key to meaningful policy. We all want the same outcome: healthy children, supported families, and a strong early childhood workforce.
Indiana has made important progress, but our work is not finished.
If we want high-quality child care, we must continue investing in the professionals who provide it every day. That means supporting education, strengthening career pathways, providing meaningful professional development, and creating policies that reflect the realities of early child care.
When we invest in Early Childhood Educators, we invest in children.
When we invest in children, we invest in Indiana’s future.
