The Owensboro Family YMCA has earned a 5-Star Rating for its child care program, the highest quality designation awarded through Kentucky’s child care rating system.
The recognition marks a significant improvement for the YMCA, which has increased its rating from one star to five stars over the past four years while expanding its child care services from school-age programs to include care for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers.
“Achieving a 5-Star Rating is an incredible milestone for our YMCA and for the families we serve,” YMCA CEO Tom Bontrager said. “This accomplishment is a testament to the vision, passion, leadership, and dedication of Kristi Harrison and her team.”
Bontrager credited Harrison, the YMCA’s child care director, and the program’s more than 30 child care professionals for transforming the program into one of Kentucky’s highest-rated providers.
The YMCA also recognized the Public Life Foundation of Owensboro for its support in expanding access to high-quality child care. The foundation has identified early childhood education as a strategic priority and has invested in local organizations working to improve child care availability and quality.
“When the Public Life Foundation identified early childhood education as its strategic focus, our hope was to invest in organizations with proven commitment to innovation, access, and quality,” said Joe Berry, executive director of the Public Life Foundation. “This highly deserved five-star designation is a testament to their dedication, and I could not be more proud of Tom, Kristi, and their amazing team.”
The YMCA also thanked the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce for helping make child care a community priority through its advocacy efforts.
“This achievement belongs not only to our staff but to an entire community that understands the importance of investing in children,” Bontrager said. “When families have access to high-quality child care, children are better prepared for school, parents can participate fully in the workforce, and our entire community benefits.”
The YMCA said it plans to continue expanding its child care offerings this fall by adding additional full-day preschool and toddler care openings. For more information about the Owensboro Family YMCA’s child care programs, visit owensboroymca.org or contact the YMCA at 270-926-9622.
