Media Contact: Jennifer Erbacher, jennifere@earlylearningindiana.org
Indianapolis – Early Learning Indiana (ELI) announced today an innovative partnership with LENA, a national nonprofit that is a leader in research and programing focused on language development in young children. Funded by a $3.2 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc., the partnership will improve the quality of verbal interactions between young children and their teachers in communities across Indiana by expanding a program called LENA Grow®.
Early language and literacy skill development is fueled by conversational turns between young children and their caregivers, which activate the brain’s language center. LENA Grow uses a unique technology, called a “talk pedometer,” that automatically analyzes when and how often children interact with their teachers, giving early childhood educators unprecedented data insights into how individual children experience their learning environment. The LENA Grow program also then helps teachers develop skills to measurably improve classroom quality by boosting adult-child interactions. Additionally, the program provides data from the LENA device for coaches and leaders who work with early childhood educators to use in developing strategies to improve vocal interactions and make informed planning and policy decisions.
The latest data from the Indiana Department of Education showed nearly one in five Hoosier third graders lack foundational reading skills. The LENA partnership will aim to improve children’s language and literacy skills from the earliest years. LENA’s technology accurately measures verbal interactions, benefiting infants, toddlers and preschoolers, as well as their teachers and parents. Independent program evaluations have shown LENA Grow to improve children’s language, literacy and cognitive development as well as teachers’ job satisfaction and self-efficacy.
“By making the most of this time, we can build the foundational skills that empower children to thrive in kindergarten and beyond,” said Maureen Weber, president and CEO of Early Learning Indiana. “Just as the science of reading is transforming K-12 classrooms, equipping early educators with an understanding of the vital role that their daily activities play in boosting early language and literacy skills will lead to more effective early learning settings. Lilly Endowment’s support will enable us to expand access to LENA Grow to more of our youngest learners.”
ELI has already begun to implement LENA Grow with some Indiana early childhood education providers. With the Lilly Endowment grant, ELI will expand the program to 300 additional providers across Indiana during the next three years, support coaching provided by LENA and monitor the overall implementation of the program.
“The state of Indiana is doing incredible work to align its early learning standards to the latest research on early education practices and child development, and LENA is poised to make groundbreaking contributions,” said Steve Hannon, president and CEO of LENA. “We envision our wealth of data on teacher-child interaction immediately benefitting on-the-ground practice and ultimately informing systemic policy decisions to ensure that children from birth to age five experience the highest quality early childhood education possible.”
About Early Learning Indiana
Early Learning Indiana is an expert and trusted voice on early childhood education that works statewide to provide leadership, advocacy and early childhood education services that continually improve the early learning landscape in Indiana. Early Learning Indiana operates 12 nationally accredited, high-quality Day Early Learning centers, a network of premier community-based centers used to advance the science of early learning, train the next generation of teachers and leaders, and instill knowledge and skills in the children we serve. Through regional and statewide programs, the organization works to ensure young children are empowered with essential skills to thrive in kindergarten and beyond. Learn more at EarlyLearningIN.org.
About Lilly Endowment Inc.
Lilly Endowment Inc. is an Indianapolis-based private foundation created in 1937 by J. K. Lilly and his sons, Eli and J.K. Jr., through gifts of stock in their pharmaceutical business, Eli Lilly and Company. While those gifts remain the financial bedrock of the Endowment, the Endowment is a separate entity from the company, with a distinct governing board, staff and location. In keeping with its founders’ wishes, the Endowment supports the causes of community development, education and religion. The Endowment funds programs throughout the United States, especially in the field of religion and maintains a special commitment to its founders’ hometown, Indianapolis, and home state, Indiana.
About LENA
LENA is a 501(c)(3) public charity based in Louisville, Colo. Its mission is to transform children’s futures through early talk technology and data-driven programs. Used by researchers, clinicians, community organizations, and early childhood education initiatives all over the world, LENA technology measures a child’s language environment and provides vital feedback to parents and professionals in programs dedicated to improving child outcomes.