By Lesley DeVoss—
NEW CASTLE, IN – Ivy Tech Community College Muncie is proud to announce the launch of a new partnership with Head Start at the Henry County campus. This collaboration expands access to early childhood education while providing families with high-quality care conveniently located on campus.
“Throughout my time at Ivy Tech, I have witnessed the College’s unwavering commitment to serving our communities. The partnership with Head Start is a strong example of how we respond to community needs with thoughtful, solution-oriented collaboration. It is an honor to support initiatives that strengthen both our students and the families we serve,” said Jeannie Hamblin-Fox, Vice Chancellor for Site Administration and Completions.
The new Head Start classroom officially opened this month, welcoming 12 children with space for three more. The program recently passed its state childcare licensing inspections with no issues and will be grandfathered in at Paths to QUALITY™ Level 3—a designation that reflects its strong commitment to child development and learning.
The classroom is led by two Ivy Tech graduates: Brandy Martin, Lead Teacher, and Amber Evans (Neal), Assistant Teacher. Their expertise and passion ensure children are learning and thriving in a supportive environment.
“I feel privileged to teach in the new Head Start classroom at Ivy Tech, where I gained the skills to become a teacher. I am grateful for this opportunity and the wonderful space we’ve been given to help preschoolers learn, grow, and discover the joy of school,” said Brandy Martin.
“I started my journey at Ivy Tech as a student, where I earned my CDA and found my calling in early childhood education. Now, I’m proud to serve children and families through this unique collaboration with Head Start. Every day, I get to guide preschoolers through their first steps in education—building social skills, encouraging confidence, and celebrating milestones. Ivy Tech didn’t just prepare me for a career; it gave me the opportunity to come back and make a lasting impact in my community,” said Amber Evans.
The initiative was led by Erin Donovan, who emphasized its value to the community:
“We’re thrilled to provide such a welcoming space for children and families right here on our campus. This partnership not only supports local families but also demonstrates the incredible impact our Ivy Tech graduates are making in Henry County.”
With the program now underway, families are already experiencing the benefits of accessible, high-quality early childhood education. This partnership reflects Ivy Tech’s ongoing commitment to serving Henry County through education, workforce preparation, and community collaboration.
About Ivy Tech Community College
Ivy Tech Community College is Indiana’s largest public postsecondary institution and the nation’s largest singly accredited statewide community college system, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Ivy Tech has campuses throughout Indiana and also serves thousands of students annually online. It serves as the state’s engine of workforce development, offering associate degrees, long- and short-term certificate programs, industry certifications, and training that aligns with the needs of the community. The College provides a seamless transfer to other colleges and universities in Indiana, as well as out of state, for a more affordable route to a bachelor’s degree.
