The Owensboro Family YMCA, in collaboration with the Public Life Foundation, is launching a transformative project to improve access to high-quality childcare and early education in the region. The initiative seeks to address workforce development challenges by enhancing early education, supporting caregiver training, and providing greater assistance to families.
The project is backed by a significant financial investment from the Public Life Foundation and includes the renovation of two YMCA facilities. The first center is set to open in summer 2024, followed by an infant, toddler, and preschool care facility scheduled for September 2024.
“This wouldn’t be possible without the Public Life Foundation,” said Tom Bontrager, CEO of the Owensboro YMCA. “They’ve helped us expand our vision and, ultimately, create a brighter future for children and families in our community.”
The initiative includes several key components, such as advocacy, improving caregiver-child interactions, and workforce development. These efforts align with broader goals of boosting economic competitiveness and enhancing workforce stability.
Joe Berry, executive director of the Public Life Foundation, highlighted the long-term impact of the project. “We’re not just adding more childcare slots; we’re improving the quality of care and tackling systemic issues. This will benefit families directly and strengthen the local workforce,” he said.
Renovations will create additional space for children, with one facility adding 70 slots for school-aged children and another focusing on younger children, including infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. To improve care quality, staff wages have been increased to attract better-qualified candidates.
“Our ability to offer competitive wages has made a huge difference,” Bontrager said. “It’s helped us hire professionals who are dedicated to early childhood education.”
The childcare sector faces ongoing challenges, particularly in recruiting and retaining qualified staff due to tight labor markets. Many childcare centers struggle to balance profitability with offering competitive wages.
“The labor market is tight, and wages in traditional service sectors often outpace what childcare centers can offer,” Bontrager noted. “But we’re addressing this by making strategic investments and forming partnerships.”
The YMCA has implemented a thorough recruitment and training process. New hires undergo a two-month training program, which includes background checks, TB tests, and professional development to ensure they meet high-quality care standards.
“We’re not just hiring workers; we’re building a skilled workforce dedicated to exceptional childcare,” Bontrager added.
Additionally, the YMCA and Public Life Foundation are developing an apprenticeship program with local high schools. The program targets students interested in family and consumer sciences, offering them hands-on experience in childcare.
“We’re showing students what quality childcare looks like and encouraging them to consider it as a rewarding career path,” Bontrager said.
The initiative also aims to support young parents by offering free childcare to those who work part-time at the YMCA.
“For young parents, this opportunity can change their lives,” Bontrager explained. “It allows them to finish school, gain work experience, and build a better future for themselves and their children.”
The project also includes efforts to expand the number of state-regulated childcare centers. Many facilities currently operate without regulation, raising concerns about quality and safety.
“There’s a real need to bring more centers under state regulation, not to punish, but to improve standards and ensure families have access to safe, high-quality care,” Bontrager said.
Part of the initiative includes preparing local centers for state inspections and helping them achieve higher ratings in the state’s All Stars quality assessment system.
The Public Life Foundation is also working to address the underutilization of the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), which provides financial support for low-income families. By increasing awareness and enrollment, the project aims to make childcare more affordable and accessible to those who need it most.
The project is a model of public-private collaboration, with support from local and state governments, as well as community organizations and donors.
“This is a perfect example of how public and private sectors can join forces to tackle important community needs,” Berry said.
Local and state governments are contributing to the project’s capital expenses, while the Public Life Foundation is funding operational costs and workforce development efforts. This partnership ensures the project’s long-term sustainability and broad impact.
The ripple effects of the initiative are far-reaching. Access to quality childcare plays a crucial role in workforce participation. Recent studies show that over 40% of Kentuckians have turned down jobs or left the workforce due to childcare challenges.
“Owensboro is already ahead of many communities in terms of childcare infrastructure, but there’s still more to do,” Berry said. “By improving access and quality, we’re not just helping families; we’re strengthening the economy as a whole.”
As the opening dates for the new facilities approach, both the Owensboro YMCA and the Public Life Foundation remain focused on their shared vision of creating opportunities and building a stronger, more competitive Owensboro for future generations.
“This project is about more than buildings and programs,” Bontrager said. “It’s about providing opportunities, supporting families, and building a stronger community for years to come.”
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