The Owensboro Family YMCA, in partnership with the Public Life Foundation, is spearheading a transformative project to expand access to high-quality childcare and early education in the region. This initiative aims to address critical workforce development challenges by improving early education, boosting caregiver training, and enhancing support for families.
The partnership, backed by a significant financial commitment from the Public Life Foundation, includes the renovation of two facilities at the YMCA. The first center is expected to open by summer 2024, followed by an infant, toddler, and preschool care facility set to launch in September 2024.
“This can only be done because of the help of the Public Life Foundation,” said Tom Bontrager, CEO of the Owensboro YMCA. “They’ve allowed us to think bigger, reach further, and ultimately provide a better future for families and children in this community.”
The initiative focuses on a multifaceted strategy, including advocacy, improving caregiver-child interactions, and workforce development. These pillars align with broader community goals of bolstering economic competitiveness and workforce stability.
Joe Berry, executive director at the Public Life Foundation, emphasized the project’s long-term impact.
“We’re not just creating more childcare slots; we’re raising the quality of care and addressing systemic issues. This will help families directly and strengthen the local workforce,” he said.
The renovations will convert existing spaces to accommodate more children, with one facility adding 70 slots for school-aged children and another focusing on infant, toddler, and preschool care. Additionally, staff pay has been increased, with a goal of attracting better-qualified candidates and significantly improving the quality of care.
“Our ability to offer competitive wages has been a game-changer,” Bontrager said. “It’s drawn in dedicated professionals who are passionate about early childhood education.”
The childcare industry has faced persistent challenges, including recruiting and retaining qualified staff amid tight labor markets. Childcare centers often struggle to balance profitability with offering competitive wages.
“The labor market is tight, and wages in traditional service sectors often outcompete what childcare centers can offer,” Bontrager said. “It’s a delicate balancing act, but one we’re addressing head-on through strategic investments and partnerships.”
The YMCA has implemented a rigorous recruitment and training process to onboard staff effectively. New hires undergo a two-month training period that includes background checks, TB tests, and extensive professional development to ensure they meet high-quality care standards.
“We’re not just hiring workers; we’re building a pipeline of skilled professionals who understand and deliver exceptional childcare,” Bontrager added.
The YMCA and Public Life Foundation are also developing an apprenticeship program in collaboration with local high schools. This initiative targets students interested in family and consumer sciences, providing them with hands-on experience in childcare.
“We’re working to show students what quality childcare looks like and inspire them to consider it as a viable and meaningful career path,” Bontrager said.
The program also focuses on supporting young parents, offering free childcare for those who work part-time in childcare at the YMCA.
“For young parents, this can change the trajectory of their lives,” Bontrager said. “It allows them to finish school, gain work experience, and secure a brighter future for themselves and their children.”
Expanding access through regulation and advocacy
The project also aims to increase the number of state-regulated childcare centers. Many facilities currently operate without regulation, a practice that has raised concerns about quality and safety.
“There’s a real need to bring more centers under state regulation, not as a punitive measure but as a way to improve standards and ensure families have access to safe, high-quality care,” Bontrager said.
The initiative includes efforts to prepare local centers for inspections and help them achieve higher ratings in the state’s quality assessment system, known as All Stars.
Additionally, the Public Life Foundation is addressing the underutilization of the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), which provides financial support for low-income families. By increasing awareness and enrollment in CCAP, the project aims to make childcare more affordable and accessible for those who need it most.
The project represents a collaborative model of public-private partnerships, with support from city and county governments, local donors, and community organizations.
“This is a shining example of how public and private entities can come together to address critical community needs,” Berry said.
Local and state governments are contributing to the project’s capital expenditures, while the Public Life Foundation is funding operational costs and workforce development efforts. This balanced approach ensures the sustainability of the initiative while maximizing its impact.
The ripple effects of this initiative extend beyond individual families. Access to quality childcare is a critical factor in workforce participation. According to recent studies, 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 work to be done,” Berry said. “By improving access and quality, we’re not just helping families; we’re strengthening the entire economy.”
As the summer 2025 and opening dates approach, the Owensboro YMCA and Public Life Foundation remain committed to their shared vision.
“This is about more than buildings and programs,” Bontrager said. “It’s about creating opportunities, supporting families, and building a stronger, more competitive Owensboro for generations to come.”
