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51����Ƶ Muncie and Anderson Campuses proudly announce the early learning programs selected to participate in the Ivy Tech Model Classroom Initiative for the 2025–2026 academic year.

Through a generous grant from Lilly Endowment Inc., the Model Classroom Initiative strengthens Indiana’s early childhood education workforce by connecting Ivy Tech students with high-quality, real-world learning environments. The selected classrooms represent excellence in early learning and a shared commitment to mentoring the next generation of early educators.

“These classrooms exemplify the best of early childhood education,” said Erin Donovan, Department Chair of Early Childhood Education for Ivy Tech Muncie and Anderson. “Each program demonstrates strong leadership, high-quality teaching, and a dedication to collaboration that will help prepare Ivy Tech students to become confident, compassionate educators.”

Selected Model Classrooms for 2025–2026

Muncie / Delaware County

• United Daycare Center of Delaware County, Inc. — Teachers: Austin Scales & Marisol Villegas

• Huffer Memorial Children’s Center — Teachers: Madison Graham & Hannah Fox

• Mitchell Early Childhood and Family Center — Teachers: Jesseca Jones & Nicole Bottorff

• Blooming Leaders Childcare — Teachers: Tanya Walden & Haylie Reese

• Muncie Community Schools Preschool at Northview Elementary — Teachers: Amanda Miller & Jessica Spears
  
  

New Castle / Henry County

• ICAP Head Start South Classroom – 51����Ƶ — Teachers: Brandy Martin & Amber Neal Evans
  
  

Anderson / Madison County

• Gateway Developmental Learning Center — Teachers: Kady Trehearne & Stephanie Durant
  
  

About the Model Classroom Initiative

Model Classrooms serve as training sites where Ivy Tech Early Childhood Education students complete hands-on field experiences under the guidance of expert teachers. Participating classrooms receive monthly coaching and mentoring, stipends for lead and assistant teachers, professional development, and up to $1,500 annually in classroom materials.

Programs are selected based on demonstrated excellence in early learning, alignment with NAEYC Professional Standards, and a commitment to mentoring future educators.

“Our goal is to build a strong, connected network of early learning programs that model best practices and support our students in meaningful ways,” said Donovan. “By investing in our local early childhood partners, we’re investing in the future of Indiana’s children and families.”

The first group of Model Classrooms will begin onboarding in November 2025, with full participation across all twelve sites launching in January 2026. Monthly Community of Practice sessions will begin in early 2026, fostering collaboration and continuous improvement among participating educators.

For more information about the Model Classroom Initiative, contact Erin Donovan,
Department Chair for Early Childhood Education at edonovan2@ivytech.edu. To learn more about the early childhood education program at Ivy Tech, visit online at .

About 51����Ƶ
51����Ƶ is Indiana’s largest public postsecondary institution and a leading provider of early childhood education programs statewide. With the support of a $21.9 million grant awarded by Lilly Endowment Inc, Ivy Tech is expanding pathways for Hoosiers to enter and advance in early childhood careers. Through strong partnerships, the College is developing the next generation of educators to lead Indiana’s early learning system forward.