St. Gabriel Preschool in Fern Creek has been chosen as one of 26 early-learning centers in Louisville to take part in a new pilot program focused on improving early childhood education. The initiative, known as the Quality+ Pilot, was announced by Thrive by 5 Louisville during a press conference held on December 3 at St. Gabriel’s gym.

Thrive by 5 is a non-profit formed through collaboration between public and private partners. At the event, Mayor Craig Greenberg and Ashley Novak Butler, who serves as board chair of Thrive by 5 and executive director of Lift a Life Novak Family Foundation, discussed the importance of early learning for local families.

Butler noted that about 59% of children in Jefferson County are not ready for kindergarten when they start elementary school. She also highlighted that limited access to affordable preschool options prevents many parents from joining the workforce. “The Quality+ Pilot is a practical workforce solution,” Butler said, explaining that it aligns with the mayor’s vision to expand preschool access in Jefferson County.

The pilot program will run from 2025 to 2027 and focuses on three main strategies aimed at improving early learning outcomes. Funding comes from both public sources and philanthropic organizations.

Lisa DeJaco Crutcher, CEO of Catholic Charities of Louisville and secretary of Thrive by 5’s board, stated that Thrive by 5 will provide grants and assist families and learning centers in accessing additional support services.

Staff members at St. Gabriel expressed enthusiasm about the program's focus on accessibility and teacher training. The preschool recently expanded its capacity to accommodate up to 170 students.

Amanda Wolz, who manages operations for the parish including oversight of the preschool, emphasized the significance of qualified teachers in early education settings: “Childcare workers are paid the equivalent of Chick-fil-A (staff), but they’re the first face a child typically sees when they start their educational journey.” She added: “They’re second moms and dads. And they don’t have the resources they need to stay in that field. Childcare has one of the highest attrition rates.” Wolz said she hopes Thrive by 5 can help childcare workers continue their professional development.

Kat Abdin, director of St. Gabriel’s preschool, expressed hope that participation in the pilot will allow more children—especially those living near Fern Creek—to enroll at St. Gabriel: “I’m excited to bring more diversity into our childcare and to welcome-in the surrounding community,” Abdin said. “We strive to be as inclusive as we can. It’s for the children. I want to see them thrive; preschool is ground zero.”