Governor says more emphasis on early childhood learning coming

Braun emphasizes early childhood education over ‘babysitting’ in facility visit

Children high-five Indiana Gov. Mike Braun during a visit to a St. Mary's Early Childhood Center location in Indianapolis on Thursday, April 30, 2026. (Photo by Leslie Bonilla Muñiz/Indiana Capital Chronicle)Gov. Mike Braun is looking to promote early childhood education services — above mere “babysitting” — as he prepares to make his childcare funding case to lawmakers next year. “They ought to be learning as opposed to just being taken care of…

Governor says more emphasis on early childhood learning coming

Gov. Mike Braun on Thursday said he wants a greater emphasis on early education in the states child care programs.The governors comments followed a tour of St. Marys Early Childhood Center downtown, during which Braun met children attending the center and talked with staff about the programs they offer.St. Marys has been in operation for 65 years and primarily serves children ages three to five years, focusing on kindergarten readiness and early…

Governor Mike Braun highlights child care affordability solutions in visit to St. Mary’s Early Childhood Center

INDIANAPOLIS – Governor Mike Braun today toured St. Mary’s Early Childhood Center, a not-for-profit organization focused on early childhood education and professional development, and highlighted his administration’s efforts to make child care more affordable and accessible for Hoosier families. “I’m taking action to make child care more affordable and accessible, like our historic $200 million investment to expand CCDF vouchers and expand chil…