'Thrive by 5 Louisville' puts city on 5-year path for universal pre-K

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A five-year plan to create a pathway to universal pre-k in Louisville was unveiled on Tuesday.

Mayor Craig Greenberg doubled down on his campaign promise of investing in the next generation. He announced his "Thrive by 5 Louisville" plan at the University of Louisville’s Early Learning Campus.

"This is a plan created by childhood experts that will ensure every 3- and 4-year-old in Louisville has the opportunity to access quality early learning so that they see long-term success through school and beyond," Greenberg said. "We are excited to get this program up and running because we know the benefits for our children, our economy and our future will be transformational."

Ashley Novak Butler, the Executive Director of the Lift a Life Novak Family Foundation, was appointed by the mayor to be the Thrive by 5 Board Chair.

Experts said pre-k benefits children by helping develop communication and social skills. Studies also show that children who attend preschool are more likely to graduate from high schools and earn more in their lifetime. The program also allows caregivers of children to work.

Greenberg's plan calls for using public and private funding to invest in existing early learning facilities in Louisville including private and non-profit preschools, childcare centers and family childcare homes. The goal is to recruit and keep the early learning workforce, strengthen the programs and offer financial assistance for preschool.

Financial assistance for preschool will be available initially for 4-year-olds from families making less than 300% of Federal Poverty Level, which covers a family of four with an income of $93,600 or less in 2024. Greenberg said these families are located in every neighborhood across the city.

Greenberg said there are at least 21 neighborhoods in Louisville with no or few childcare facilities or preschools available including:

Audubon Park-Prestonia
Bonnycastle
Chamberlain-Ford
Clifton-Irish Hill
Deer Park
Flat Rock-Long Run
Germantown-Paristown Pointe
Jefferson Forest
McNeely Lake East-Heritage Creek
Meriwether-Saint Joseph
Minor Lane
Old Louisville-Limerick
Original Highlands
Shelby Park
Six Mile-Houston Acres
Southside
Southwest Dixie-Valley Village
St. Matthews North-Beechwood Village
St. Matthews Northwest-Chenoweth
Valley Station South-Orell
Wilder Park-Fairgrounds

Thrive by 5 Louisville plan calls for implementing three phases over five-years:

Phase one, years 1 - 2:

Create and staff Thrive by 5 Louisville; recruit private and non-profit preschools, childcare centers and family childcare homes for pilot participation; provide funding for workforce development grants to private and non-profit preschools, childcare centers and family childcare homes for program improvements; implement facility assessment and improvement processes; establish an online resource hub; initiate marketing strategies; and fundraise.

Phase two, years 3 - 4:

Initially launch financial assistance (paid directly to providers) for 4-year-olds from families making less than 300% of Federal Poverty Level (i.e., family income of $93,600 or less in 2024) to attend preschool.

Phase three, years 5+:

Expand eligibility for financial assistance to more Louisville children, measure program impact, expand workforce benefits and support and continue facility assessments and quality improvement efforts.

The Thrive by 5 Louisville program gives parents and caregivers access to learn about eligibility, resources and more.

Mayor Greenberg’s plan was developed by the Mayor’s Early Learning Action Group made up of 23 early childhood experts and community members and spearheaded by the Mayor’s Office of Philanthropy.

Thrive by 5 Louisville will operate as a nonprofit separate from Louisville Metro Government. To learn more about the program to manage universal pre-k for the city, click here.