LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Mayor Craig Greenberg has unveiled a new plan to create a pathway to universal pre-K for every three- and four-year-old in Louisville.
On Tuesday, Greenberg announced a new nonprofit, Thrive by 5 Louisville, will be established to help implement the phased plan over a five-year period. The nonprofit will operate separately from Louisville Metro Government and will be overseen by a board of directors with Ashley Novak Butler serving as board chair.
“When I took office, I promised the people of Louisville a plan to invest in our children, our workforce and our future through universal pre-K,” Greenberg said. “Today, we are delivering on that commitment.”
According to the mayor's office, 2022 census data found there are roughly 9,600 four-year-olds in Louisville.
The five-year plan was developed by the Mayor’s Early Learning Action Group, which is made up of 23 early childhood experts and community members. Greenberg said the group met over a six-year period in 2023 to create the draft plan, including the creation of Thrive by 5 Louisville.
How will Louisville’s universal pre-K program work?
The mayor said his plan will invest in and strengthen existing early learning facilities in Louisville, including private and non-profit preschools, childcare centers and family childcare homes. He said this plan will operate in three phases.
Greenberg said announcing the nonprofit, connecting with already established pre-K facilities and fundraising is the first step.
Thrive by 5 Louisville will use public and philanthropic funds to build and retain staffing, elevate early learning programs, and offer financial assistance to cover the cost of preschool. Greenberg said he will be asking for funding through his next budget proposal to Metro Council, state representatives, the federal government and private investors.
"I'm hopeful and optimistic that the Metro Council will be supportive of that," he said. "The federal government is providing some initial support through the American Rescue Plan. Funding that we've already been allocated from last year's allocation towards this."
Gary Cobbs, the CEO of the YMCA Greater Area of Louisville, said he had personally spoke with the mayor about their organization being on board with the nonprofit.
"It's a great opportunity for those in Louisville," Cobbs said. "Our YMCA wants to be a part of the conversation."
Greenberg said phase two would take place in the next few years and provide financial assistance to families who otherwise couldn't afford pre-K. He's focusing to give all families in Louisville several options on where their three- or four-year-olds can start their education.
In order to qualify, families will have to make less than 300% of Federal Poverty Level, and the financial assistance will go directly to the child care facilities.
Phase three would expand the assistance of these families and benefit those employed at the facilities. He said they've noticed the struggle of retaining teachers and child care providers, so his plan aims to create better salaries to entice employees to stay or become employed.
"There's a challenge in childcare turnover like many segments of our businesses," Cobbs said. "So we want to put our best foot forward to make sure we retain those teachers and invest in those teachers to the best of our ability."
An online resource hub for parents and caregivers to learn about their child’s eligibility will be released within the next two years, officials said.
The hub will also include access to resources already available to directors and teachers at Louisville early learning centers.
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