Thrive By 5 Louisville

Attending a high-quality early learning center or preschool benefits your child’s entire life.
It can be the foundation of your child’s success and help you get back to work when the time comes.
Connect with one of Thrive By 5’s Family Navigators to learn about open child care spots in your area and explore resources for your family. https://thriveby5louisville.org/families/navigation/

You shouldn’t have to choose between work and your child’s care.
Child care costs can feel overwhelming, but there are options that can make early learning more affordable for your family.
Connect with a Family Navigator to find ways to reduce the cost of early learning.
https://thriveby5louisville.org/families/navigation/

As the start of the school year gets closer, many parents are thinking about kindergarten readiness. But the truth is, it starts long before the first day of school.

In Louisville, more than half of children begin kindergarten already behind. Skills like curiosity, focus, persistence, and creativity begin developing during the earliest years.

For young children, learning how to approach new challenges, build confidence, and explore the world around them is a big part of creating a strong foundation for lifelong learning.

Not sure if your child is kindergarten ready? Here are a few age-appropriate skills and milestones that can help you better understand where they are. Learn more here - https://thriveby5louisville.org/families/benefits/

This is an amazing program for families! Visit the Metro United Way website for more info!

Floyd County Library, Metro United Way launch Play with Purpose program NEW ALBANY — The Floyd County Library is partnering with Metro United Way to launch Play With Purpose, a nine-week series for caregivers and their children ages 0 to 3

🍎 Early childhood educators—you make an incredible difference in the lives of Louisville's children every single day.

Your work is meaningful, challenging, and essential. That's why Thrive By 5 Louisville is committed to supporting you with resources that help you grow, overcome barriers, and build a rewarding career in early learning.

From professional development opportunities to financial supports like the UpLift Fund, we're investing in the educators who help our youngest learners thrive.

Learn more about resources available to you:
thriveby5louisville.org/educators/

You’re not supposed to know it all. That’s why we’re here.

One of the biggest questions families ask is: “How do I know a child care provider is high quality?”

Our Family Navigators help you understand what to look for and what questions to ask so you can feel confident in your decision.

You don’t have to figure it out alone. Connect with a Family Navigator today.
https://thriveby5louisville.org/families/navigation/

✨ Every child deserves a space that sparks curiosity, creativity, and a sense of calm.

Small Steps Childcare, one of our incredible early learning providers, recently shared how support from Thrive By 5 Louisville helped transform their learning environment. With a few thoughtful improvements, they've created spaces where children can play, explore, read, and recharge in new ways.

Swipe through the after photos to see the difference!

🌿 Mud Kitchen
What was once an underused outdoor space is now a favorite destination for imaginative, sensory play. Children spend their days mixing, pouring, "cooking," and working together as they explore and create.

🧸 Cozy Quiet Area
A new calming corner with soft seating and comforting materials gives children a place to read, rest, regulate their emotions, or simply take a quiet moment when they need it.

📚 Library Area
An inviting, thoughtfully organized reading space encourages children to choose books independently, spend more time reading, and enjoy stories in a calm, welcoming environment.

These improvements may seem simple, but they have a lasting impact. By investing in high-quality early learning environments, we're helping providers create spaces where children can learn, grow, and thrive every day. 💙 Thank you, Small Steps Childcare, for sharing your story with us!

Thrive by 5 Louisville has moved offices! Please note our new address below. We look forward to welcoming visitors soon!

Thrive by 5 Louisville
6100 Dutchmans Lane, Suite 601
Louisville, KY 40205

We're proud to share that Thrive by 5 Louisville is part of New America's Early Care and Education Implementation Working Group, a national cohort of leaders working together to strengthen early childhood systems and better serve children and families.

As part of the cohort's launch, New America released its 2026 National Parent Survey, reminding us of something important: every family is different.

One finding that stood out to us is that only 15% of parents say a formal child care setting is their ideal arrangement. Parents want choices, flexibility, and solutions that reflect their unique needs.

At Thrive, that's exactly what we're working toward—building an early childhood system that meets families where they are and expands access to the high-quality care that's right for them.

Read more about the Implementation Working Group and the survey here:

Early Care and Education Implementation Working Group At New America, our work spans across five issue areas—each essential to building a nation and a world where everyone can thrive.

Did you know, you may qualify: https://thriveby5louisville.org/families/thrive-by-5-louisville-family-access-scholarships/

Quality child care should not break your budget.

Across Jefferson County, families are struggling with the cost of early care and learning.

In Louisville, Thrive’s Family Access Scholarships are changing that.

Depending on your household income, the cost for early childhood education could be as low as:
• $0/year
• $3,250/year
• $6,500/year

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