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Office of Early Childhood & Out-of-School Learning |
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Apply Now: School-Age Child Care Grant
The Office of Early Childhood and Out-of-School Learning (OECOSL) is pleased to announce the availability of grant funds through the State-funded School-Age Child Care Grant (SACC). Starting today, March 17, programs serving school-age children can apply for grant funds.
The School-Age Child Care Grant aims to increase the availability and affordability of high-quality school-age child care for Indiana families. Schools or 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations regulated by OECOSL are eligible if they offer before- and after-school care or school break care (excluding summer) to children aged 5-14. Programs must have been operating for at least one full year before applying.
The SACC application is available through Indiana State Budget Agency. Follow the directions below to navigate to the SACC application:
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Visit Indiana State Budget Agency
- Scroll down and find the FSSA department selection
- Click on 'School Age Child Care (SACC) Project Fund FY26'
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Explore Imagination Library Family Resources
Each month, the Imagination Library mails participating children birth to five a book.
To support a love of reading and increase enjoyment with the Imagination Library books, family resources are available in the Indiana Learning Lab. The guides provide music, activities, vocabulary, and connecting book and read-aloud ideas. To get the resources, create a Indiana Learning Lab account.
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Register for the Indiana Summit on Out-of-School Learning
The Indiana Summit on Out-of-School Learning is the premier statewide conference for afterschool and summer learning professionals. Join the Indiana Afterschool Network for two days of engaging workshops, expert-led sessions, and networking with peers who are dedicated to expanding learning beyond the school day.
The Summit will be held April 29-30 at the Embassy Suites in Plainfield, IN. Book your room by March 21 to secure the discounted conference rate.
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Stay Updated with INAEYC
The Indiana Association for the Education of Young Children (INAEYC) has several upcoming opportunities for child care providers:
Register for the 2025 IN Early Childhood Conference: Registration is open for the 2025 Indiana Early Childhood Conference, which will be held March 28-29 at the Indiana Convention Center. Register today. Access the .
Taking on Turnover | Thursday, March 20, from 12:00–1:30 p.m.
- Virtual: Register Here
- In-person: College Avenue Branch Library | 4180 N. College Ave. Indianapolis, IN 46205
Careers in Early Childhood Education | Thursday, March 20, 2:00–3:00 p.m.
- Virtual: Register Here
- In-person: College Avenue Branch Library | 4180 N. College Ave. Indianapolis, IN 46205
Taking on Turnover Session 3 | How's the Weather? Looking at Your Organization's Climate Part 2 (virtual) | March 26, from 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. or 1:30 – 3:00 p.m. ET
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Get Started on Your SPARK Group Coaching Journey
Eleven Group Coaching Opportunities led by SPARK Learning Lab are open for registration. Spring topics include Paths to QUALITY™ Level Advancement, NAEYC, NAFCC, NECPA, Infant Toddler, and Active Supervision. Each group starts in April with varying dates and times. Register at IndianaSpark.com/cohorts.
Mark your calendar for these upcoming opportunities:
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PTQ Level 2 Advancement for Homes: Mondays at 1:30 p.m. ET from April 7 to May 12
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NAEYC: Tuesdays at 1:00 p.m. ET from April 8 to June 10
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Infant Toddler for Homes: Tuesdays at 1:30 p.m. ET from April 8 to May 6
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NAFCC: Wednesdays at 1:30 p.m. ET from April 9 to June 11
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NECPA: Wednesdays at 1:30 p.m. ET from April 9 to June 11
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Español bebés y niños pequeños: miércoles a las 6:00 p.m. ET del 9 de Abril al 7 de Mayo
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Español PTQ Nivel 2: miércoles a la 1:30 p.m. ET del 9 de Abril al 14 de Mayo
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Infant Toddler for Facilities: Thursdays at 1:30 p.m. ET from April 10 to May 8
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Active Supervision for Homes: Thursdays at 1:30 p.m. ET from April 10 to May 8
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Active Supervision for Facilities: Thursdays at 1:30 p.m. ET from April 10 to May 8
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PTQ Level 2 Advancement for Facilities: Tuesdays at 1:30 p.m. ET from April 15 to May 20
Register now at IndianaSpark.com/cohorts. Have questions about SPARK Group Coaching? Reach out to the SPARK Help Desk at 1-800-299-1627, emai help@indianaspark.com or use the "Chat with an Expert" feature located in the lower right corner of IndianaSpark.com. Join us and take your program to the next level.
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Opening Soon: Go NAPSACC Collaborative
SPARK Learning Lab is excited to offer another collaborative learning opportunity with Go Nutrition and Physical Activity Self-Assessment for Child Care (NAPSACC).
Starting the week of April 14, program directors registered for the "Reducing Screen Time" collaborative will explore healthy habits in child care settings. Come together with your peers to share experiences, implement new strategies, and be a part of this learning experience.
This nine-week collaborative includes:
- 5.5 training clock hours
- A Lakeshore materials kit (upon completion)
- Six live virtual sessions
- One-on-one technical assistance from a SPARK Coach
Also included in this collaborative:
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Action periods: Explore the practical application of strategies using the Go NAPSACC tool to assess current practices, educate staff, and implement changes to promote healthy habits.
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Learning sessions: Engage in discussions and activities centered around the Go NAPSACC online tool's learning modules.
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Attend Upcoming SPARK Learning Lab Trainings
Explore upcoming training opportunities through SPARK Learning Lab. See a full list of upcoming face-to-face training, live webinars, and live resources, plus read training descriptions and find registration instructions at IndianaSpark.com/training.
This week's training schedule includes:
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