Kentucky’s largest city, Louisville, recently announced plans to implement universal, free and optional preschool for its 3- and 4-year-old citizens.
“Imagine a future where every child in Louisville, regardless of their background, regardless of their circumstance, has access to high quality early childhood education,” he said. “Picture the potential, the possibilities that unfold when we invest in the youngest leaders and learners. This is not merely a dream. It’s a vision that we all in this room and outside this room can turn into a reality,” said Louisville Metro Council member Phillip Baker.
Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg announced that a new nonprofit called Thrive by 5 Louisville will work over the next five years with both public and private dollars to get children in the city better prepared for kindergarten by providing grants to providers and assistance to families. To kick this off, Greenberg said he will be asking Metro Council in his April budget proposal for funding and is also hopeful other funding sources will help make the vision a reality. Read more here.