Two children playing in the sand by a playground

Who We Are

About Us

The Steuben County Early Childhood Coalition (SCECC) was created to address a critical community challenge: ensuring that all local children have access to affordable, high-quality early learning.

We are an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to improving early learning and care across the county. Our roots trace back to initial seed funding and a $150,000 investment from the Steuben County Community Foundation, as well as other multi-partner investments. Our work is powered by a growing network of community partners committed to creating opportunities for children in our community from birth through age 5.

Our Mission

Strengthen and support early childhood systems, programs, and policies that promote the development, learning, and well-being of children from birth through age five and their families in Steuben County, Indiana.

Board of Directors

  • Sara Miller, Chair

    Executive Director, Wee Creations Learning Ministry

  • Schauna Relue, Ph.D., Vice Chair

    Assistant Superintendent, MSD of Steuben County

  • Carmyn Hottell, Secretary

    Director of Community Leadership, Steuben County Community Foundation

  • Isaac Lee, Treasurer

    CEO, Steuben County Economic Development Corporation

  • Rachel Faulkner, Member-at-Large

    COO, Cameron Health

  • Stephanie George, Member-at-Large

    Human Resources, Trine University

  • Retha Hicks, Member-at-Large

    Director of Economic Development and Planning, City of Angola

  • Andy Laughlin, Member-at-Large

    Steuben County Commissioner

Downtown Angola, IN

Our Story

Our journey started in 2016, when the Steuben County Community Foundation recognized a need for child care funding, finding that only 8% of children under 5 were enrolled in high-quality programs—much lower than in neighboring counties and the state average. In response, they invested in local providers and partnered with the Early Childhood Alliance to enhance the capacity and quality of existing programs.

By late 2022, these initial efforts evolved into the formation of the Steuben County Early Childhood Coalition. SCECC was driven by a growing recognition across the county that child care shortages were not just a family struggle, but a severe workforce and economic barrier constraining local employers and long-term community growth.

To move from isolated efforts to collective impact, SCECC brought together a diverse steering committee. In 2025, Steuben County Community Foundation, alongside key community partners, engaged Transform Consulting Group to conduct a comprehensive Steuben County Child Care Landscape Analysis and formalize a strategic plan.

Learn more about SCECC’s priorities, key findings from the Landscape Analysis, and how we’re turning community data into action.

Explore What We Do

Join Us

Improving early childhood outcomes takes all of us. Whether you’re an educator, business leader, child care professional, or community volunteer, there are opportunities to make a difference.

Explore our open positions and help shape a stronger future for Steuben County’s youngest learners.

To learn more, ask questions or apply, reach out to coalitioncoordinator@steubenecc.com.

  • Download Job Description

    Purpose Statement or Position Summary:

    The County Coalition Director supports the coordination, growth, and sustainability of the Steuben County Early Childhood Coalition by building community partnerships, facilitating initiatives, and advancing early childhood systems and programs that support children from birth through age five.

    Key Characteristics/Qualifications:

    • Self-starter with exceptional organizational skills.

    • Excellent interpersonal relationships and written and verbal communication skills.

    • Ability to multitask and maintain a flexible schedule.

    • Ability to build professional relationships in the community and with participating partners.

    • Ability to interpret data that can be communicated to the community in a meaningful way.

    • Skills in data collection and analysis, project planning, and evaluation.

    • Ability to work with diverse groups.

    • Professional demeanor.

    • Proficiency with technological skills and software.

    • Preferred bachelor's degree.

    Responsibilities:

    • Build relationships and collaborate with stakeholders to strengthen early childhood systems and programs.

    • Support the strategic and financial sustainability of the coalition.

    • Coordinate and facilitate coalition, committee, and work group meetings.

    • Build relationships with local childcare providers and serve as a resource.

    • Engage families to understand needs, share resources, and inform coalition priorities.

    • Engage employers and community partners to strengthen support for working families and early childhood initiatives.

    • Develop and communicate advocacy messaging through presentations, print, social media, and community outreach.

    • Participate in fundraising, grant writing, and resource development efforts.

    • Collaborate with regional and statewide early childhood organizations to advance shared priorities and best practices.

    • Collect, analyze, and report data to measure outcomes and support informed decision-making.

    • Identify opportunities to advance the coalition's mission through collaboration and community engagement.

    Position Details

    • Reports to the Steuben County Early Childhood Coalition Board of Directors

    • Full-time position

    Requires regular in-person engagement within Steuben County