Our Story

Imagine Early, composed of professionals from Adams and Wells counties who are passionate about our youngest citizens, announced its official launch in May 2023. In February 2024, the group announced the hire of its first executive director, Ashleigh King.

Imagine Early sprouted from the Adams-Wells Early Childhood Coalition. The coalition had been formally meeting monthly since the summer of 2022 to address regional and local concerns related to access to quality early childhood education, including expanding capacity of childcare providers for local families.

Before joining together as a coalition, the counties have had individuals meeting separately over a period of years to discuss childcare needs in their respective communities. Due to the similarities and longstanding partnerships between the two counties, Adams and Wells decided to join forces to tackle this critical need in both communities. The Adams Wells Manufacturing Alliance currently serves as the fiscal sponsor for Imagine Early, and we are grateful for their support.

The ultimate goal for Imagine Early is not only to better prepare children for preschool and kindergarten but to alleviate strains on the workforce. Feedback from local families and employers indicates it can be difficult to find quality and affordable childcare providers for young children, at times preventing employees from working.

“It has become undeniably clear that access to and affordability of early learning opportunities in Adams and Wells counties are a glaring issue, and one that we must address,” said Colton Bickel, Economic Development Director for Adams County and the Imagine Early board president. “The needs and issues have been discussed, but now it’s time for action. We believe that Imagine Early hiring a director will produce the results needed to change the tide for early learning opportunities for Adams and Wells counties.” 

Imagine Early and the coalition have been and will continue to be greatly assisted by Northeast Indiana Regional Early Childhood Coordinator Allie Sutherland. Jennifer Hunter and Jason Barnes of Gensyn Design also helped the group get started as well.

“On the Northeast Indiana regional level as we work to connect our communities to advance early learning and ensure all children in Northeast Indiana have access to quality affordable childcare, Adams and Wells Counties have been leaders in demonstrating the power of counties coming together,” Sutherland says. “We look forward to continuing to support their work and to continuing to learn from this partnership to help strengthen the region.”

Imagine Early’s initiatives so far have been graciously funded by various sources, including but not limited to the Wells County Commissioners, Adams County Commissioners, Wells County Foundation, Adams County Community Foundation, and Ambassador Enterprises.