News
Herald-Times Article: Waitlists for Pre-K & Childcare Centers
The Bloomington Herald-Times reached out to us at Monroe Smart Start to learn more about local childcare and early learning programs and why many currently have long waitlists. What follows is the Herald-Times article published April 20, 2022. We would like to thank the H-T for connecting with us on this important issue and we…
On My Way Pre-K applications for the 2022-2023 school year now available
INDIANAPOLIS–Indiana’s Office of Early Childhood and Out-of-School Learning is now accepting applications from families statewide who may be eligible for grants for their children to receive free, high-quality, pre-kindergarten education through the On My Way Pre-K program for the 2022-2023 school year. Information about the program and the link to apply can be found at…
Community Foundation of Bloomington and Monroe County receives $100,000 Stronger Together grant to develop new supports for local child care providers
The Community Foundation of Bloomington of Monroe County has been awarded $100,000 from Early Learning Indiana to create a regional shared service hub that will help regional child care providers balance operational demands with providing affordable, quality care. “We are honored to receive a Stronger Together grant from Early Learning Indiana and Lilly Endowment to…
CenterPoint Energy Foundation and Hoosiers Read award $250,000 grant to bring Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to Monroe County
All local children ages birth to five are eligible for this FREE book gifting program that mails high-quality, age-appropriate books every month directly to their homes In partnership with CenterPoint Energy Foundation and Hoosiers Read, the Community Foundation of Bloomington of Monroe County, along with its Monroe Smart Start program, is excited to announce that…
On My Way Pre-K applications for the 2021-2022 school year now available statewide
INDIANAPOLIS–Indiana’s Office of Early Childhood and Out-of-School Learning is now accepting applications from families statewide who may be eligible for grants for their children to receive free, high-quality, pre-kindergarten education through the On My Way Pre-K program for the 2021-2022 school year. Information about the program and the link to apply can be found at OnMyWayPreK.org.…
New Community Foundation initiative will address emerging needs for child care and virtual learning resources in Monroe County
IU Health Foundation provides lead gift, first grant from new LEARN Fund to subsidize affordable child care through Boys & Girls Clubs of Bloomington The Community Foundation of Bloomington and Monroe County has created a new funding initiative to address child care costs and the need for virtual learning resources. The Learning Equity and Resource…
Call out for Care: Childcare a Critical Need for Essential Employees and their Families
Over 230 children of essential workers are in urgent need of childcare in Monroe County. These families include parents or guardians working as health care providers, first responders, or pharmacists. They are making essential medical products, providing sanitation services, or stocking shelves at grocery stores. In each instance, these indispensable workers need the community’s support…
On My Way Pre-K applications for the 2020-2021 school year are now available for families statewide
New, easy-to-use online application will make it easier for families to apply INDIANAPOLIS–Indiana’s Office of Early Childhood and Out-of-School Learning (OECOSL) is now accepting applications from families in any Indiana county who may be eligible for grants for their children to receive high-quality, prekindergarten education through the On My Way Pre-K program for the 2020-2021…
Community Foundation and Monroe Smart Start Awarded $25,000 Grant to Improve Elementary Education Starts for Hoosier Children
Monroe County among 15 Indiana communities selected to receive Strong Start Community Grant funds to develop plans to strengthen kindergarten transitions
Community Foundation receives $13,500 grant from Duke Energy to support early literacy in Monroe County
The Community Foundation of Bloomington and Monroe County announced today that it received a grant from the Duke Energy Foundation for $13,500 to support early literacy and parent engagement in Monroe County.