Early Learning Indiana (ELI) announced a partnership with LENA, a leading nonprofit in research and programming for early language development.
The partnership is funded by a $3.2 million grant from Lilly Endowment and will improve the quantity of verbal interactions between children and their teachers through the LENA Grow program.
Early language and literacy skill development is fueled by conversation between children and their caregivers, which activates the brain’s language center. The latest data from the Indiana Department of Education shows that nearly 1 in 5 Hoosier third graders lack foundational reading skills.
LENA Grow uses a “talk pedometer” to analyze when and how often children interact with their teachers, giving educators insight into learning environments. The program also helps teachers develop skills to boost child-adult interactions.
“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 ELI.
ELI has already begun implementing the program in some Indiana education providers. With the grant, the program will expand to 300 additional providers in the next three years.
“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.
For more information about LENA, visit lena.org.
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Contact Health & Environmental Reporter Hanna Rauworth at 317-762-7854 or follow her on Instagram at @hanna.rauworth.
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