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Hello, I'm Jennifer Beam

Child Care Resource Specialist - Shelby County

At Child Care Answers I spend my time…

Collaborating with community partners, connecting with child care professionals, and sharing necessary resources/data pertaining to child care services in Shelby County.

Contact Me
Staff Contact Me
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EDUCATION

B.S. Healthcare Management, Masters in Human and Social Services, Masters Certification in Conflict Management and Negotiation

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FAVORITE SUBJECT IN SCHOOL

Biology

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PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

CCDF policy and licensing consulting, Head Start health coordinator, project management and implementation specialist

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WHEN I “GREW UP”, I WANTED TO BE...

A pediatrician

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MY FIRST JOB WAS...

Mowing lawns with my sister for my dad’s lawncare side business

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MY FAVORITE TOY/GAME AS A CHILD...

Speak ‘n’ Spell

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OUTSIDE OF WORK, I LIKE TO...

Travel, try new restaurants, hike, and read

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AS A CHILD, I SPENT MY TIME...

Riding my bike and practicing gymnastics

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info@childcareanswers.org
Phone: 317.636.5727
2955 N. Meridian St., Suite 101B
Indianapolis, IN 46208

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Rise Forward: Our Next Chapter
Last month, we shared some exciting news: after nearly four decades standing alongside the early care and education community across central Indiana, Child Care Answers has completed our 2026–2029 strategic plan—Rise Forward. Since then, we’ve had a little time to sit with it, and we wanted to come back and share more of the thinking […]
Children and teachers on a child care playground
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CCA's new Rise Forward strategic plan and expanded support for child care professionals
New shared services alliance and child care resource specialists bring hands-on support to central Indiana child care professionals and communities, building upon 40 years of early care and education expertise Today, we at Child Care Answers (CCA) announce the rollout of our new strategic plan, Rise Forward, marking a new chapter for the organization following […]
Children and teachers on a child care playground
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Rise Forward
Stronger child care. Stronger communities. Supporting child care professionals. Strengthening programs. Connecting communities and families. Child care is essential infrastructure for a healthy workforce and thriving community. Through Rise Forward, Child Care Answers is strengthening central Indiana’s early care and education system by supporting child care professionals, strengthening programs, and connecting partners around shared solutions.
Children and teachers on a child care playground
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Action steps for child care programs affected by flooding
Recent flooding across central Indiana has affected homes, businesses, and child care programs alike. For child care professionals, a flood can mean damaged facilities, disrupted care, and difficult questions about what to do next. We’re here to connect you to information, support, and connections you need to respond, recover, and keep serving children and families. […]
child standing in front of a flooded field
Resource
Professional Development for Early Childhood Educators
Develop yourself as a professional Meaningful professional development for child care professionals is essential to both advancing your career in early childhood education and boosting your personal growth and development. From introductory sessions to college degrees, ongoing education gives you the knowledge, experience, and confidence to provide the best possible learning experiences for the children […]
professional development for early childhood educators
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Now Expanded: Indiana's Employer Child Care Expenditure Credit
On March 3, Governor Mike Braun signed House Bill 1177 into law, marking a win for Indiana businesses and families. This legislation modernizes the employer child care expenditure credit, providing the tools that Hoosier employers need to support their workforce. As an active supporter of HEA 1177, we celebrate this milestone as a step toward […]
Dad waiving goodbye to his child at dropoff
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Early Childhood Degrees and Colleges
Jump start your early childhood career with formal education You might consider pursuing a college degree in early childhood education if you: Plan to start your own child care business Aim to make a career change to the early care and education field Want to deepen your knowledge of child development and early childhood education […]
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Summer Camp Guide 2026
The 2026 summer camp season is almost upon us! This year has an impressive variety of options, ranging from high-energy sports and equine camps to specialized STEM and multicultural immersion programs. Whether you prioritize a convenient location in your home county or a specific price point, this year’s lineup includes everything from premium enrichment experiences […]
school-age kids outdoors with adults playing
Resource
Infant Sleep
As a child care professional, families may look to you for advice about their child both inside and outside of the classroom. Feel free to use the below information to share with families via newsletters, emails, or other opportunities to support them as caregivers themselves. Indiana 2-1-1 is also an easy way to connect families to local organizations to meet their unique […]
Resource
Child Care Credentials and Certifications
Early childhood credentials and certifications Early childhood credentials and certifications can help you learn more about targeted areas within the field. When you have a credential or certificate, current or potential employers in the early care and education field see you as dedicated to growing in your career. Licensing standards and Paths to QUALITY indicators […]
Resource
Head Start
Sometimes, families may come to your child care program that you are unable to serve, whether due to tuition costs, limited enrollment availability, or because your program is not the best fit for their child or family. Feel free to share the below information with families to support their continued child care journey. Indiana 2-1-1 is also a good place for them to […]
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Restoring Flexibility in CCDF: Comments on NPRM 0970-AD20
On January 2, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced a notice of proposed rule making (NPRM) entitled “Restoring Flexibility in the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF).” The NPRM is open for public comment until February 4. We encourage you to consider the information below and submit a comment to make […]
block toys in shape of a family with a gavel
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Donate
Invest in Stronger Child Care Financial support of Child Care Answers Your investment in Child Care Answers is an investment in stronger child care across central Indiana. We equip child care professionals, support sustainable child care programs, and bring partners together around solutions that help children, families, employers, and communities thrive. Every gift helps strengthen the early care and education system […]
boy adding a coin to a piggy bank
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Celebrating wins together: Strengthen Indy Child Care Grant
To say the past six months have been tumultuous for the early education system in Indiana is an understatement. The ever-present issues of staffing, enrollment, and budgeting continue to plague early care and education programs around the state. Recently, new regulations, reduced CCDF reimbursement rates, and reduced supports and resources for child care professionals have […]
Child care professionals and children working together on an art project - SICC grant
Resource
Financial and Social Assistance
As a child care professional, families may look to you for advice about their child both inside and outside of the classroom. Feel free to use the below information to share with families via newsletters, emails, or other opportunities to support them as caregivers themselves. Indiana 2-1-1 is also an easy way to connect families to local organizations to meet their unique needs. […]
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Key child care bills to watch in the 2026 Indiana General Assembly
The 2026 Indiana General Assembly session kicks off on January 5. With it comes a fresh wave of bills that could shape the future of early childhood education in our state. At Child Care Answers, we believe that staying informed is the first step toward building a stronger community for our children and families. To […]
Overhead view of crowd at the Indiana Statehouse
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Using Visual Supports
As a child care professional, families may look to you for advice about their child both inside and outside of the classroom. Feel free to use the below information to share with families via newsletters, emails, or other opportunities to support them as caregivers themselves. Indiana 2-1-1 is also an easy way to connect families to local organizations to meet their unique needs. […]
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Mealtime Basics
As a child care professional, families may look to you for advice about their child both inside and outside of the classroom. Feel free to use the below information to share with families via newsletters, emails, or other opportunities to support them as caregivers themselves. Indiana 2-1-1 is also an easy way to connect families to local organizations to meet their unique needs. […]
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Early Childhood Mental Health
Your guide to early childhood mental health resources in Hamilton County, Indiana We’re proud to partner with A Healthier Hamilton County: Systems of Care to introduce you to some of the necessary resources to access and navigate behavioral and mental health services. Whether you are a parent of a young child or a child care […]
Resource
Infant Feeding
As a child care professional, families may look to you for advice about their child both inside and outside of the classroom. Feel free to use the below information to share with families via newsletters, emails, or other opportunities to support them as caregivers themselves. Indiana 2-1-1 is also an easy way to connect families to local organizations to meet their unique needs. […]
Resource
Transition to Child Care
Sometimes, families may come to your child care program that you are unable to serve, whether due to tuition costs, limited enrollment availability, or because your program is not the best fit for their child or family. Feel free to share the below information with families to support their continued child care journey. Indiana 2-1-1 is also a good place for them […]
toddlers hugging
Resource
Inclusive Child Care
Sometimes, families may come to your child care program that you are unable to serve, whether due to tuition costs, limited enrollment availability, or because your program is not the best fit for their child or family. Feel free to share the below information with families to support their continued child care journey. Indiana 2-1-1 is also a good place for them […]
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Your Guide to Understanding Indiana's CCDF Voucher Changes
You’ve likely been hearing a lot in the news lately about the crisis surrounding CCDF vouchers and its effect on Hoosier families and child care programs. There are many moving parts and complicated pieces – we hope the below information makes things clearer for you. What is CCDF? Let’s start with the basics. The federal […]
children and teacher counting on fingers
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Introducing the Central Indiana Child Care Alliance
Child Care Answers, United Way of Central Indiana launch new initiative to increase sustainability of family child care homes The Central Indiana Child Care Alliance will support 10 Marion County family child care homes in its first year INDIANAPOLIS – A new initiative from Child Care Answers and United Way of Central Indiana will support […]
Toddlers in a classroom with two teachers
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Central Indiana Child Care Alliance
Central Indiana Child Care Alliance The Central Indiana Child Care Alliance (“the Alliance”), in partnership with United Way of Central Indiana, supports family child care home programs across central Indiana. This regional shared services initiative gives members access to personalized coaching, business resources, and centralized tools that strengthen their operations, reduce costs and administrative tasks, […]
Toddlers in a classroom with two teachers
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Stepping in the Future: A New Chapter for Child Care Answers
For nearly 40 years, Child Care Answers (CCA) has walked alongside families, child care professionals, and community partners across central Indiana. Our work is now at a crossroads. With major changes happening in the early care and education system, there is lots of work ahead. As an organization, CCA is prepared and ready to move […]
Tom, Allie, Julie, and, Lane walking the crosswalk
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Last Day Q&A: What does CCA mean to you?
It’s a deeply bittersweet moment for all of us staff, alumni, board and friends of Child Care Answers as we step into a new chapter of change. While CCA will remain open and committed to its mission, we have had to say goodbye or will bid farewell soon to many beloved colleagues and friends who […]
cca all team photo 2025
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Support changes for families of young children
Support Changes for families of young children It was an honor to serve you last year as you searched for child care for your family or requested connections to broader supports. We know how difficult it can be to navigate the child care system in Indiana, whether you are looking for an opening, applying for […]
Parents kissing each cheek of a toddler
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Last Day Q&A: Ultimate TED Talk Topics
CCA’s staff has expertise that runs both deep and wide. We asked staff to tell us about their topic if they had to give a TED talk on short notice. Their answers may surprise you! Lauren, Family Engagement Specialist My go-to for ease would be something focused on infants and toddlers, like safe sleep, you […]
Anne Gabbert giving a speech
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Last Day Q&A: Under-the-radar skills at work
As nonprofit professionals, staff here at CCA wear many hats that often aren’t reflected in our job titles. Read more about some of these under-the-radar talents and skills! Allie, Program Resource Navigator Looking at my job title, others might not think of all the data I do. When it comes to anecdotes and information shared […]
CCA staff participating in a group discussion