About Us

About Us

Purdue Extension’s Community Childcare initiative is committed to enhancing the quality of care for children from birth to age five across Indiana. We empower early childhood providers by fostering meaningful connections, expanding access to research-based education, and strengthening their capacity to deliver high-quality care.

We aim to cultivate a culture of belonging and care across all childcare environments while expanding access to high-quality education, training, and professional development opportunities that meet providers where they are. By strengthening both regional and statewide childcare networks, we can empower providers with a stronger understanding of state and national resources. Our work also focuses on increasing pathways into early learning careers, elevating the profession, and offering mentoring that supports not only professional excellence but also personal growth.

Purdue Extension’s Community Childcare initiative is committed to enhancing the quality of care for children from birth to age five across Indiana. We empower early childhood providers by fostering meaningful connections, expanding access to research-based education, and strengthening their capacity to deliver high-quality care.

We aim to cultivate a culture of belonging and care across all childcare environments while expanding access to high-quality education, training, and professional development opportunities that meet providers where they are. By strengthening both regional and statewide childcare networks, we can empower providers with a stronger understanding of state and national resources. Our work also focuses on increasing pathways into early learning careers, elevating the profession, and offering mentoring that supports not only professional excellence but also personal growth.

Community Childcare Team

Brianne Wrede

Brianne Wrede

Purdue Extension - Community Development
Community Childcare Director
Alejandra Duran Trinidad

Alejandra Duran Trinidad

Purdue Extension - Community Development
Community Childcare Educator
Jennifer Roth

Jennifer Roth

Purdue Extension - Community Development
Community Childcare Educator
Marisela Shippam

Marisela Shippam

Purdue Extension - Community Development
Senior Administrative Assistant
Maritsa Romero

Maritsa Romero

Purdue Extension - Community Development
Community Childcare Educator
Michelle Shonkwiler

Michelle Shonkwiler

Purdue Extension - Community Development
Community Childcare Educator
Wendy Collingwood

Wendy Collingwood

Purdue Extension - Community Development
Community Childcare Educator

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