Childcare
Strengthening Early Childhood Education in Morgan County
Jen Palmer, lead of the Child Care Task Force for the Better Communities Coalition of Morgan County, also serves as President of the Morgan County Early Learning Coalition and owner/director of The Growing Garden Learning Centerin Mooresville. She is committed to improving early childhood education so young children receive the best possible start.
Jen has raised awareness about early learning through presentations to the Martinsville Chamber of Commerce and local Rotary clubs, while MCELC has promoted early literacy through the Talking is Teaching initiative.
The Child Care Task Force has also hosted roundtables with local businesses to explore solutions like TriShare, a cost-sharing childcare model that helps families afford care while supporting providers.
In partnership with the Morgan County Community Foundation, Jen has also introduced high school students to careers in early childhood education and the T.E.A.C.H. Scholarship, which covers 90% of tuition and books for educators.
The Task Force also supported MCELC’s 2nd Annual Fall Mini Conference, bringing together over 100 early childhood educators for training and networking.
MCELC recognized 64 early childhood educators through 280+ nominations, celebrating their dedication to Morgan County’s youngest learners.
Congratulations to Outstanding Provider of the Year, Amy Marine (Heaven’s Little Angels Family Childcare) and all category winners across Morgan County childcare programs.
Special thanks to Shields Designs, Awnie’s, and Lakeshore Learning for supporting the awards.
The Childcare Task Force continues advancing six objectives to strengthen early childhood education, support families, and celebrate educators across Morgan County.
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