Jefferson County has nearly 700 childcare programs in operation, but officials say program quality varies widely.
Also, state and federal funding cuts have recently left more Kentucky families without crucial subsidies to send their children to childcare.But early childhood education has become an important extension of the public education conversation.Research shows quality childcare programs correlate to more positive indicators in adulthood, such as high graduation rates, higher employment and fewer arrests.WFPL will explore what early childhood education looks like in Jefferson County and we'll be taking your calls at 502-814-8255 (TALK) or you can reach us at @WFPLNews.Join us at 1 p.m. Tuesday.Guests on the panel include:
- Karen Napier, director of education initiatives for Metro United Way
- Julie Leezer, director at Cardinal Hill Rehab Center for Louisville Easter Seals and chair of the Community Early Childhood Council for Jefferson County
- Janet Masterson, assistant director at Community Coordinated Child Care (4-C)
The Next Louisville project is a partnership of WFPL News, the Community Foundation of Louisville, the JPMorgan Chase Foundation and The Gheens Foundation, Inc(Image via Shutterstock.)