Why Shine Indy Exists
Indianapolis is home to hundreds of early childhood programs serving thousands of African American children and families. Yet the providers running these programs face systemic barriers: limited access to business coaching, financial infrastructure, and operational training.
Shine Indy - Early Childhood Initiative, powered by IAAQLI, was created to change that. We provide structured support, peer community, and real investment in providers so they can build programs that are stable, sustainable, and built to last.
Powered by Indianapolis African American Quality of Life Initiative
The Indianapolis African American Quality of Life Initiative (IAAQLI) is dedicated to strengthening the systems, institutions, and individuals that shape quality of life for African American residents of Indianapolis. Shine Indy is a core part of that mission, focused on early childhood education infrastructure and provider sustainability.
Who We Serve
Child Care Business
Owners
Family Child Care
Providers
Child Care Center
Directors
Child Care
Administrators
Early Childhood
Entrepreneurs
Emerging Provider
Unlicensed Registered
Child Care Ministries
Educators
Rooted in Indianapolis
Our work is intentionally localized. We recruit and support providers across Indianapolis with specific focus on underserved neighborhoods and communities with historically limited access to business coaching.
Our Commitments
Community First
Every decision is rooted in the needs, experiences, and strengths of Indianapolis child care providers.
Equality in Action
We do not just talk about equity. We fund it, build it, and measure it through every touchpoint of this program.
Coaching Over Compliance
Our approach is relational and supportive, not punitive. We build trust, then build capacity.
Sustainability as the Goal
Short-term help is not enough. We invest in systems, skills, and stability that keep programs thriving long-term.