(PCELN), a childcare coalition, was formed in September 2023, and is a program of the Community Foundation of Pulaski County.

So, what is a childcare coalition? It is a collaborative organization that brings together various stakeholders - parents, providers, businesses, organizations and policymakers - to address the critical need for high-quality childcare in the community. This type of coalition recognizes that accessible, affordable, and high-quality childcare is not just a necessity for working families, but a fundamental building block for a thriving local economy. The work of a childcare coalition is complex, multifaceted and inherently long-term, requiring sustained efforts and community engagement to make a lasting impact. PCELN is here for the long term to make certain that the youngest residents have the brightest start possible.

 

What Does a Quality Childcare Coalition Do Exactly?

A quality childcare coalition is a community-driven alliance dedicated to improving the standards and accessibility of childcare services. These coalitions often emerge in response to a growing recognition of the challenges faced by families in accessing affordable, quality childcare - something Pulaski County recognizes as a need for its residents. Counties in Indiana with coalitions have witnessed notable improvements in the number of available, high-quality seats in their communities.

PCELN serves as a platform for advocacy, resource sharing and collaboration among its members. The primary goal is to create a supportive ecosystem where all children have access to safe, nurturing, and educational environments that foster their development. To achieve this, PCELN engages in a variety of activities, such as:

  • Advocacy and Policy Development: PCELN collaborates with Hoosier Milestones, a statewide alliance, to advocate with state and federal organizations for policies that support the expansion and improvement of childcare services. PCELIN supports policies for increased funding, better regulatory standards, and workforce development initiatives that attract and retain qualified childcare providers.
  • Community Education and Outreach: PCELN aims to educate parents and the wider community about the importance of quality childcare and early childhood experiences. That’s why it created a website, pceln.org, to share information. It hopes to bring more resources and workshops to the county that help families understand their options and the benefits of high-quality early childhood education.
  • Resource Development and Sharing: PCELN works to connect providers and emerging providers with the resources they need to improve their services. This can include training opportunities, access to funding, and sharing best practices among providers to elevate the overall standard of care in the community.

 

The Long-Term Nature of Childcare Coalition Work

Improving the quality and accessibility of childcare is not something that can be achieved overnight; it requires ongoing commitment and a strategic approach to creating systemic change. That is why PCELN is focusing on community education and building infrastructure. It is also why it advocates for policy changes at the state and national levels. However, this work can take years, as it often requires building consensus among a wide range of stakeholders, conducting research to support the proposed changes, and navigating the complexities of the legislative process.

Additionally, PCELN recognizes that building a pipeline of qualified childcare professionals is an incremental process. It is working with service providers at the local, regional and state levels to ensure that individuals enter and remain in the field. When one considers how program quality affects the children in care, the outcomes are cumulative and most visible over time. Children who have access to high-quality early childhood education are more likely to succeed in school and in life, but these outcomes become apparent only after many years. Therefore, the efforts of PCELN must be sustained over the long term to ensure that the benefits are fully realized for the youngest Pulaski County residents in each of future generations.

Childcare coalitions play a crucial role in improving the quality and accessibility of childcare services in communities. By bringing together all parts of Pulaski County, PCELN can build a stronger foundation for children, families and the community as a whole.

 

Hoosier Milestones is a statewide alliance that advocates for policies that support the availability and quality of early care and education for every Indiana resident. For more information, visit www.hoosiermilestones.org.

The Pulaski County Early Learning Network (PCELN) unites the voices of those with a stake in the future of our children, our workforce, and our community to craft an ongoing strategy to sustain a network of high-quality childcare in Pulaski County. Members are from a wide range of Pulaski County businesses, families, childcare providers, and local organizations. PCELN is currently housed at the Community Foundation of Pulaski County. For more information visit www.pceln.org, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or call the Community Foundation at 574-946-0906.

The Community Foundation of Pulaski County (CFoPC) is the philanthropic leader serving Pulaski County. Recognizing over two decades of experience, CFoPC builds resources, engages people, and inspires generosity to enrich lives in Pulaski County. CFoPC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that serves donors, awards grants, and provides leadership for community engagement. For more information, visit www.cfopc.org.

 

 

  
Pulaski Health Care Center
Pulaski Health Care Center - Parkview
FNB Monterery
Habitat
Ace Hardware
WKVI Side

Local News Briefs

I-65 to have overnight lane closures near State Road 14

 JASPER COUNTY - Indiana Department of Transportation contractor Rieth-Riley Construction will have overnight lane closures on I-65 from mile marker 217 to 223 (between SR 10 and SR 114) beginning on or after Monday, May 12.

I-65 will be reduced to one lane in the area where work is occurring during the overnight hours of approximately 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. Work will be ongoing through mid-October.

Spring property taxes due Monday, May 12

Pulaski County taxpayers are reminded by the Pulaski County Treasurer's Office that the spring installment of property taxes are due Monday, May 12.

The taxes may be paid at the County Building (Rm. 307) or County Highway Garage in Winamac, or at several banks around the county.

PMH seeks community input identifying health needs of local communities

Survey deadline May 17

WINAMAC - Pulaski Memorial Hospital has announced the launch of its 2025 Community Health Needs Assessment, a comprehensive initiative aimed at identifying and addressing the most pressing health needs of our local communities.

“Community feedback is essential” said Hospital CEO Steve Jarosinski. ”PMH will be gathering input from residents, local organizations, community leaders, and even other area healthcare professionals to better understand the health challenges and opportunities across the region.”

PCPL lists activities, programs for May

The Pulaski County Public Library has listed its programs and activities for May. They include restorative yoga classes, adult canvas painting, and the opening celebration of the Story Trail at the park.

For more information on any program, call the library at 574-946-3432 or visit the library’s website at www.pulaskicounty.lib.in.us. 

Stop signs to be added to two county intersections

The Pulaski County Highway Department will add stop signs Monday (April 28) to two county road intersections – one in southeast Rich Grove Township, and the second in northwest Monroe Township.

The new stop signs were approved April 14 in an ordinance adopted by the county commissioners.

  

Indiana News

Gov. Braun signs HB1144

INDIANAPOLIS (May 6) – Indiana Gov. Mike Braun has signed HB1144 which will make some adjustments in the state’s court systems.

Pulaski Superior Court and seven other rural courts have been spared from closure, following revisions made late last month to the proposed bill approved by both the state house and senate April 24 in the Indiana General Assembly.

Northwest Indiana Forum hosts legislative wrap-up

CHESTERTON (May 2) – The Northwest Indiana Forum welcomed over 90 members for its annual Legislative Wrap-Up event Friday featuring bipartisan legislators from Northwest Indiana.

An engaging and informative panel discussion with the six key state lawmakers reflected on the 2025 Indiana General Assembly session and its impact on the region.

Pulaski County March unemployment rate drops to 3.1%

Pulaski County's unemployment rate dropped to 3.1 percent in March, down from 4.3 percent in February, the Indiana Department of Workforce Development reported Monday, (April 21). The rate was 3.7 percent a year ago.

The county had 6,586 employed persons in a labor force of 6,795 in March. In February those numbers were 6,533 of 6,830. A year ago the numbers were 6,302 of 6.546.

 

Indiana Health News

Measles cases climb to 800 nationwide; 8 in Indiana

Also: respiratory illness updates

INDIANAPOLIS (April 21) — The Indiana Department of Health is investigating an outbreak of measles and working with local health officials to help stop the spread of infection. The current reported cases are connected to each other but at this time there are no known links to outbreaks in other states.

Eight cases have been reported in the Indiana, all in Allen County.

  

Post News

PCELN works to build infrastructure for quality childcare in Pulaski County

Pulaski County Early Learning Network (PCELN) is working to ensure families in Pulaski County have access to affordable, quality childcare.

The network notes that many different groups in the county community must come together to address this critical need. Access to high-quality early childhood education means that children are more likely to build a foundation for success in school and life.

West Central School Board honored by Indiana School Boards Association

FRANCESVILLE - The West Central School Corporation School Board has been recognized by the Indiana School Boards Association (ISBA) with an Exemplary Governance Award (EGA) for calendar year 2024 for demonstrating an outstanding commitment to student success and professional learning.

Only 124 school boards in the State of Indiana earned awards through the EGA program this year.

Economic Summit addresses county's financial health, state budget

'Making a place where we choose to live'
With a major restoration of the county courthouse nearing completion and a host of additional business and community projects under development, the mood was upbeat at the annual Pulaski County Economic Development Summit Tuesday (April 29). The event is hosted by the Pulaski County Community Development Commission.

CDC executive director Nathan Origer gave updates on projects and county economics, while keynote speaker Stephanie Wells, president of the Indiana Fiscal Policy Institute, reviewed legislation from this year's session of the Indiana General Assembly.

BraunAbility to expand Winamac facilities with new product line

WINAMAC - BraunAbility has announced a $3.8 million investment in its Winamac operations to support production of the new BraunAbility Ram ProMaster.

This funding will cover land acquisition, land work, fencing, drainage and building improvements. Construction, utilizing local contractors, will continue through Spring 2026.

Marlatt, Vanderkleed join IBA 40-Year Club

FRANCESVILLE - Alliance Bank has recently recognized Kimberly Marlatt and Lori Vanderkleed with membership into the 40-Year Club of the Indiana Bankers Association (IBA).

The club recognizes banking professionals who have completed 40 years or more of service to the Indiana banking community. Inductees are given IBA keepsakes and letters of congratulations.