LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Louisville's mayor announced a plan Tuesday to provide universal Pre-K learning for the area's 3- and 4-year-olds.
A newly created "Early Learning Action Group" will meet bi-weekly for the next six months, laying the foundation to increase the availability of early learning programs for Louisville's pre-K youth. The first meeting was held Tuesday.
The group is made up of nearly two dozen educators, business leaders and lawmakers from both sides of the aisle who will develop plans to help new pre-K and early learning options the community.
"The amazing people offering their time and energy to this action group have signed up for one of the most important tasks I can think of: helping ensure our kids build an educational foundation for lifelong success," Greenberg said in a written statement.
The big question the group must tackle is how to fund the program. Greenberg said Tuesday that all options are on the table, but some form of private funding, partnership or pledge may be needed.
"Just because something hasn't been done doesn't mean it can't be done and doesn't mean it shouldn't be done in Louisville," Greenberg said. "Our kids deserve the best. And this group is going to help make sure they get the best when it comes to early learning."
He has begun his opening statements. Notice Republican and Democrat state lawmakers also on stage with other stakeholders. Mayor Greenberg says research is clear kids who start learning earlier will lead safer and better lives. @WDRBNews pic.twitter.com/hq60s8IuOW
— Monica Harkins WDRB (@MonicaHarkinstv) June 13, 2023
One of the group members, Rina Gratz, executive director of JCPS Early Childhood Programs, said six months is an ambitious deadline. But she's hopeful the action group is motivated to get it done.
"It will really take all of us," she said. "It will take the village, so to speak, to get this plan off the ground."
Gratz said JCPS' current programs are only available to about 3,000 3- and 4-year-olds based on household income or the child's special needs. She said that's likely only one-third of the likely 10,000 students of the same age.
"I think that we have the ability to together, make things happen and take Louisville to the next level," Gratz said.
Louisville's Early Learning Action Group will follow guidelines and recommendations from the National Institute for Early Education Research.
It's not yet clear when universal Pre-K could start in Louisville, but it's fair to say implementation is years away.
Universal Pre-K isn't a new idea. Gov. Andy Beshear has called for it in the past, but legislation to create it didn't see any movement in Frankfort this session.
Republican Sen. Julie Raque Adams said the action group couldn't come at a better time and that the deadline lines up with the upcoming session where lawmakers will be devising the next state budget.
She's hopeful that with a solid plan, other lawmakers in Frankfort will get behind the idea and help with funding.
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