Scott County Partnership Executive Director Heather Law, middle, accepts a grant to fund the new Early Childhood Director position. Shown with her are Early Childhood Committee members Christy Davis, Emily Jordan, Karolee Tattersall; Director Emily Spellman; and Early Childhood Committee members Kim White and Pam Akemon.
In a major step forward for the future of Scott County’s youngest learners, the Scott County Community Foundation has awarded a grant to Scott County Partnership to establish the county’s first-ever early childhood director position.
Funded through a grant from Lilly Endowment Inc., this new position is secured through Dec. 31, 2028, and represents the culmination of years of planning, collaboration, and community investment focused on improving access to high-quality early childhood education and care in Scott County.
The position was created in response to findings from the Scott County Early Care and Education Strategic Action Plan, commissioned by SCCF through its GIFT VIII Community Leadership Planning Grant. The plan identified a critical need for coordinated leadership and systems-building to ensure that every child in Scott County has access to high-quality, developmentally appropriate care and education from birth to age five.
“Early childhood is where lifelong learning begins,” said SCCF Executive Director Jaime Toppe. “This investment reflects our belief that strong communities are built by supporting children and families from the very beginning. We are proud to help launch this role and to partner with the Scott County Partnership to make this vision a reality.”
Research conducted during the planning process revealed significant challenges facing local families, including a shortage of childcare options, affordability barriers, and limited access to quality early learning opportunities. Scott County is home to an estimated 1,743 children under age six, yet current childcare capacity meets only a fraction of community need.
SCCF and SCP are pleased to announce the hiring of Emily Spellman as the new Early Childhood Director. She will provide strategic leadership focused on strengthening childcare quality, increasing family engagement, improving school readiness, and coordinating community-wide early childhood efforts.
Spellman brings a unique blend of experience and passion to the role, having served as an elementary educator and as a family case manager for the State of Indiana. Her professional background has provided firsthand insight into both the educational and social barriers many families face – and the opportunities that emerge when communities invest in children early. Emily received a bachelor of arts in communication from Indiana University Southeast, a Transition to Teach Certification from the American College of Education, and a master of arts degree in teaching from the American College of Education. She is additionally endorsed in Keys to Literacy and has completed comprehensive Science of Reading training.
“I believe that meaningful change happens when education, compassion, and strategic investment intersect,” said Spellman. “I have not only witnessed the barriers families and children face – I have walked alongside them and helped navigate through challenges. I am honored to help lead this work in Scott County and excited about what we can accomplish together.”
“We are incredibly excited to welcome Emily Spellman into this role. She will help shape the future of early childhood education and family support in our community,” said Early Childhood Committee Chair Emily Jordan. “This position represents an investment in our children, our families, and the long-term success of our entire community. We believe every child deserves a strong start, and we are thrilled to have Emily in this important position that will boost our community toward building a brighter future for our community, families and children.”
The grant to Scott County Partnership represents a natural evolution of both organizations’ longstanding commitment to education. Through its leadership of the Community Alliances Promoting Education (CAPE) grant, SCP has already demonstrated a strong commitment to educational advancement for middle and high school students. This new collaboration extends that commitment to the earliest years of life.
“This is a powerful example of what can happen when organizations align around a shared vision,” said SCP Executive Director Heather Law. “By working together, we can create a stronger continuum of support for children and families, from birth through adulthood.”
National research consistently shows that investments in early childhood education generate long-term returns through improved academic outcomes, stronger workforce participation, healthier families, and reduced public costs. With this new role, Scott County is making a bold investment in its future – one child, one family, and one community at a time.
Scott County Community Foundation is dedicated to improving the quality of life in Scott County through charitable giving, strategic leadership, and community partnerships. Scott County Partnership works to strengthen the local community through collaborations to create new systems and address long-term community challenges.
Emily Spellman may be contacted at emilyrspellman@outlook.com. The community is also encouraged to follow the initiative on Facebook at SEED – Scott Early Education & Development for resources and support.
