New CEO aims to continue Day Nursery’s 114-year run

Venerable child care provider Day Nursery Association of Indianapolis Inc. has a new leader: Ted Maple, a former elementary school teacher who spent eight years developing United Way of Central Indiana’s early-childhood education programs.

He succeeds President and CEO Carolyn M. Dederer, who is retiring Aug. 2 after 15 years with the not-for-profit organization. Day Nursery, which has an annual budget of $10 million, was founded in 1899.

Ted Maple

Maple, 39, earned a doctorate in early childhood education at Ball State University. His bachelor’s and master’s degrees are in elementary education.

He comes to the state’s oldest child care provider from United Way, where he led the agency’s Success by 6 education initiative. Last year, he was promoted to United Way's director of education, overseeing broader efforts to ensure children enter school ready to learn and perform at grade level by sixth grade.

“I saw this as an opportunity to continue to focus in on that work,” Maple told IBJ on Monday, citing Day Nursery’s mission to help all children receive the best possible early childhood education regardless of their family's financial situation.

Day Nursery touts its status as the oldest and largest not-for-profit of its kind in Indiana. It has seven locations in Marion and Hendricks counties serving children ages 6 weeks to 6 years.

An eighth center, expected to open this fall, will cater to infants and toddlers—reflecting a new area of emphasis for Day Nursery.

“That is where we see the greatest need,” Maple said.

Among the new CEO’s biggest challenges: raising enough money to keep the organization’s $10 million budget in the black. The not-for-profit gets funding from United Way, as well as its auxiliary, various foundations and individuals.

“We’re fortunate to have very committed donors that help sustain our work,” Maple said.

Day Nursery reported revenue of $8.7 million and expenses of $9.2 million in 2011, according to its most recent federal tax filing. It has about 200 employees.

Maple confirmed Monday that Day Nursery was profitable in 2012, and was on track to finish in the black in 2013, as well.

Before joining United Way in 2005, Maple taught kindergarten and first grade in Pike Township schools. He also served as director of early-childhood education at St. Mary’s Child Center, which works with at-risk preschoolers at two sites in Indianapolis.