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Thrive by 5 Louisville is looking for child care centers and family child care homes to participate in pilot programs focused on workforce recruitment, improving facilities, and financial assistance for families. To learn more about Thrive by 5 and this program please fill out the form below.

Thrive by 5 Louisville seeks a dynamic and dedicated Executive Director who will advocate to bring resources aimed at the success of all Louisville children five years and younger and will aim for the measurable advancement of equity and achievement among Louisville children. This person will lead, convene, and collaborate with early childhood programs in Louisville to ensure that initiatives for expectant parenting adults and children from birth through five remain a top priority.

Thrive by 5 Louisville will be committed to making quality child care accessible to all children in Louisville, with a belief in the transformational power of early care and education. The inaugural Executive Director will have the opportunity to build Thrive by 5 Louisville from the ground-up, gaining buy-in and engagement from existing early childhood development providers and community organizations, building its management and financial capacity, driving change, and ultimately collaborating to build a system that provides access to early childhood education to all of Louisville’s children. 

The Executive Director will think strategically and systemically while focusing on mission, managing the organization, and serving as a champion for early childhood system development in Louisville. In the near term, they will focus on Phase one of the implementation plan as well as ensuring sustainability of Thrive by 5 Louisville over the long term.

For more information or to apply hit the button below.

Louisville, Ky., November 14, 2024 – Thrive By 5 Louisville (TB5L), a newly established nonprofit dedicated to expanding access to quality child care and early learning opportunities for Louisville’s three- and four-year-olds, today announced the appointment of its inaugural Board of Directors. Composed of leaders with extensive experience in education, business, nonprofits, and community engagement, this board will be at the forefront of advocating for the transformative impact of early childhood education and the essential workforce who provide it. 

Ashley Novak Butler 
Executive Director of Lift a Life Novak Family Foundation 
Thrive by 5 Louisville Board of Directors Chairperson 

David Nicklies 
President & CEO of Nicklies Development 
Thrive by 5 Louisville Board of Directors Treasurer 

Tony Peyton 
Executive VP of Policy & Chief of Staff of National Center for Families Learning
Thrive by 5 Louisville Board of Directors Vice Chair 

Lisa DeJaco Crutcher 
CEO of Catholic Charities of Louisville 
Thrive by 5 Board of Directors Secretary

Mariana Barzun 
Executive Director of Mayor Greenberg’s Office of Philanthropy 

Kristen Byrd 
Regional President of PNC Bank, Kentucky 

David Calzi 
Former CEO/Executive Director of St. Vincent de Paul Louisville

Douglas Craddock 
Vice President of Community Engagement, University of Louisville 

Lisa Dischinger 
Founder & Co-owner of LDG Development 

Michael Gritton 
Executive Director of KentuckianaWorks 

Allie Holtz 
Director of Channel Marketing for GE Appliances 

Adria Johnson 
President & CEO of Metro United Way 

Izmene Peredo Martinez 
Co-founder & Co-owner of Con Huevos 

Angie McDonald 
Vice President, Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer for PPL Corporation 

Lopa Mehrotra 
Social Entrepreneur 

Diane Scardino 
Chief Administrative Officer of Norton Children’s Hospital & Norton Children’s Medical Center 

Rose Smith 
Executive Director of The Ace Project 

TB5L operates as an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit, born out of Mayor Craig Greenberg’s Early Learning Action Group (MELAG). The 23-member group, consisting of early childhood experts and community leaders, collaborated with the Mayor’s Office of Philanthropy in 2023 to draft a plan addressing the critical need for quality child care in Louisville. MELAG’s efforts culminated in the formation of TB5L, designed to function independently of Louisville Metro Government to increase access to early learning opportunities. Today, many MELAG members continue to serve on TB5L’s Advisory Council, and are joined by additional industry and community leaders, providing strategic guidance to the Board of Directors.

“One of my priorities as mayor is to expand quality early learning opportunities for all children in Louisville,” said Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg. “The creation of Thrive by Five, the implementation of its governing board and a national search for an executive director are all critical steps in making these opportunities available for children and families across our community. I would like to thank board members for their service in ensuring these opportunities become reality.” 

TB5L has already garnered significant support from both state and local governments, including a $5 million allocation in the city’s 2024-2025 budget. These funds will support the organization’s initial operations and hiring of staff, and prioritizing workforce development and improving early learning facilities as part of its first phase of work. 

The TB5L Board will guide the organization’s mission, ensuring alignment with its core goals. Their responsibilities will include strategic planning, fundraising, and developing initiatives that strengthen Louisville’s child care ecosystem. TB5L aims to invest in and elevate existing early learning providers, including private and nonprofit preschools, child care centers, and family child care homes. Utilizing a blend of public and philanthropic funding, TB5L will focus on recruiting and retaining early childhood educators, enhancing facilities and programs, and providing financial assistance to make child care more affordable for families. 

“I am honored to recognize the incredible individuals who make up our inaugural Board of Directors, all of whom share a deep commitment to increasing access to quality child care in Louisville,” said Ashley Novak Butler, TB5L Board of Directors Chairperson and Executive Director of Lift a Life Novak Family Foundation. “It is a privilege to work alongside such a talented and passionate team of community leaders and advocates who share our vision of making a lasting impact. Together with our Advisory Council, we will meet this critical need, ensuring our early learners can thrive, young families stay connected to the workforce, and child care providers receive the support and resources they need to succeed. I am proud to be part of this mission and excited about the difference we will make together.” 

Research shows that increasing access to high-quality child care has far-reaching benefits—not only boosting academic success for children but also enhancing workforce participation and driving economic growth in the community. 

To learn more about TB5L, please visit www.thriveby5louisville.com. 

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About Thrive by 5 Louisville:

Thrive By 5 Louisville (TB5L) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing access to quality child care for three- and four-year-olds in Louisville, KY. Established in 2024 as an independent 501(c)(3), TB5L supports existing early learning providers by leveraging public and philanthropic funding to recruit and retain early educators, improve child care facilities, and provide financial assistance to families. TB5L emerged from the Mayor’s Early Learning Action Group (MELAG), which was formed by Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg in 2023 to address the critical need for expanded early childhood education in the community. 

To learn more about TB5L, please visit www.thriveby5louisville.com.