Early ChildhoodResources

Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP)

Phone: (855) 306-8959   | Website: kynect.ky.gov/benefits

The Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) helps families pay for child care. Families can apply by calling (855) 306-8959 or by going to their website. If the family is accepted, they will be told how much they will pay for child care and how often they have to pay.

View our CCAP FAQ page here: metrounitedway.org/childcare

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Community Coordinated Child Care (4-C)

Phone: 502-636-1358 | Website: 4cforkids.org/

4-C is a child care resource agency. They help families find the right child care for their needs and can help with child care assistance. Families can call 502-584-0023 or visit 4cforkids.org to use their online search portal.

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Early Head Start

Greater Louisville Head Start Phone: 502-974-1206 | Website: familyapplication.shineinsight.com/glhs

OVEC Phone: 502-647-3533 | Website: ovecheadstart.org/program-application

Early Head Start is a child care program for children aged 6 weeks to 3 years old. These child care programs can be done in the family’s home or at a child care center. There are two different companies that do Early Head Start programs: Greater Louisville Head Start and Ohio Valley Educational Cooperative (OVEC).

Greater Louisville Head Start has in-home child care programs and child care center programs. The in-home Early Head Start program is open to anyone who lives in Jefferson County. The child care center Early Head Start programs are only open to people who live in these zip codes: 40203, 40210, 40211, 40212, 40213, 40214, 40215, and 40216. Families can apply on the website or call 502-974-1206.

OVEC only has Early Head Start programs in child care centers. Families can apply online or call 502-647-3533.

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Head Start

Greater Louisville Head Start Phone: 502-974-1206     |    Website: familyapplication.shineinsight.com/glhs

OVEC Phone: (502) 647-3533  |    Website: ovecheadstart.org/program-application

Headstart is a free child care program for children ages 3 to 5 years old. To be accepted, the family must make less than a certain amount of money. If the family is accepted, the child will go to one of child care centers around the city. Headstart does not have buses, so families must take their child themselves. There are two different companies that do Headstart programs: Greater Louisville Headstart and Ohio Valley Educational Cooperative (OVEC). Families are placed with the right agency based on the zip code they live in.

Greater Louisville Headstart works with families who live in these zip codes: 40203, 40210, 40211, 40212, 40213, 40214, 40215, 40216.

Ohio Valley Educational Cooperative (OVEC) works with families who live in these zip codes: 40023, 40059, 40118, 40202, 40203, 40205, 40206, 40207, 40208, 40211, 40217, 40218, 40219, 40220, 40222, 40223, 40229, 40241, 40242, 40243, 40245, 40258, 40259, 40272, 40291, 40299 .

To apply to Greater Louisville Headstart, families can call 502-974-1206 or by going to their website.

To apply to OVEC, families can go to their website or call (502) 647-3533.

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Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) Early Childhood Program

Phone: 502-485-7677   | Website: apps.jefferson.kyschools.us/StudentAssignment/LandingPad/

JCPS has a free preschool program for any child who lives in the district and is 4 years old by August 1^st  and whose family meets the income requirements. JCPS also has a preschool program for 3-year-old children who qualify for Exceptional Child Education Services (more information below). JCPS does not offer buses for preschool programs. Families can apply online or call 502-485-7677 to schedule an over-the-phone application.

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JCPS Kindergarten Enrollment

Phone: 485-6250 | Website: apps.jefferson.kyschools.us/StudentAssignment/LandingPad/

Any child who lives in Jefferson County and turns 5 years old on or before August 1^st can be enrolled in kindergarten for that school year. To start kindergarten, children must have a physical exam, dental exam, eye exam, and all immunizations. Families must register online before they can apply for kindergarten.

Families for Effective Autism (FEAT of Louisville)

Phone: 502-596-1258 | Website: featoflouisville.org for more information

Families for Effective Autism (FEAT of Louisville) provides support, education, and programs to families with Autistic family members. They provide sensory sensitive programs and have a list of autistic friendly businesses.

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First Steps (KEIS)

Phone: 502-429-1249

KEIS (previously called First Steps) is an early intervention program that helps children from birth to age three who have a developmental delay, or a medical condition that can cause an educational delay. If the parent agrees, KEIS will test the child to see if they qualify. If the child is accepted, KEIS will work with the family to create a plan for the child. Before the child’s third birthday, KEIS will schedule a meeting to move the child to JCPS so they can keep getting services. Families can sign up by calling 502-429-1249.

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Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) Exceptional Child Education Services (ECE)

Phone: 502-357-7661

JCPS’ Exceptional Child Education (ECE) program provides assessment and services for children over 3 years old who may have developmental concerns or a disability. If a family has a concern about their child’s development, the school district will assess the child to find out if they qualify for services. JCPS will assess any child in the district who is at least 3 years old, even if they are not enrolled in school.

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KY Autism Training Center

Phone: 502-852-4631 | Website: louisville.edu/education/kyautismtraining

The Kentucky Autism Training Center provides free resources and training on autism for families.

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The Family to Family Program

Phone: 270-993-9430   |   Website

The Family to Family Program pairs families with a “mentor” who is also a parent of a child with special needs. These support parents offer extra support, guidance, and resources to families. To find out more, visit https://www.chfs.ky.gov/agencies/ocshcn/Pages/ftf.aspx#:~:text=Parent%20to%20Parent%20programs%20are,best%20support%20parent%2Dfamily%20matches or call 270-993-9430.

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Norton Development Center

Phone: 502-588-0850

Norton’s Development Center can evaluate and treat children for many conditions such as ADHD, autism, developmental disorders, and more. A child must be referred by their pediatrician, but the center can be contacted at 502-588-0850.

HANDS

Phone: 502-893-3900    | Website: familyandchildrensplace.org/hands

HANDS is a program that gives families in-home support with their new baby. Parents can sign up for the program until the baby is 90 days (about 3 months) old. Once the family joins, they can stay in the program until the baby is two years old. Families will be given a Family Support worker who will come to their house to share information on parenting and how the baby is growing. Parents can also get diapers and other things if they need them. Families can sign up at their website or by calling 502-893-3900.

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Healthy Beginnings Connect Us (HBCU)

Phone: 502-409-4238   |   Website: blackbirthjustice.org/programs

Healthy Beginnings Connect Us (HBCU) is a free program for parents and caregivers of infants 0-18 months old. HBCU provides education, resources, essential items like diapers, and more. To find out more or to apply, visit https://www.blackbirthjustice.org/programs or call 502-409-4238

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Healthy Start

Phone: 502-574-6661    |  Email: healthystart@louisvilleky.gov

Healthy Start is a free program that gives families resources, skills, and education on their baby’s growth. The program is for pregnant women and parents of children younger than 18 months old. To be accepted in the program, the family must live in one of these zip codes: 40203, 40208, 40210, 40211, and 40212. Families can sign up by calling 502-574-6661 or by emailing healthystart@louisvilleky.gov.

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Granny’s Birth Initiative

Phone: 502-905-2300 | Website: gbiky.org

Granny’s Birth Initiative provides resources and support for pregnant and postpartum mothers. Their Doula Dash program provides transportation to maternal appointments. They also have a Maternity Pantry that provides items such as diapers, maternity clothes, and baby clothing. Call 502-905-2300 or visit gbiky.org for more information.

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Zora’s Cradle

Phone: 502-830-9460 | Website: zorascradle.org

Zora’s Cradle provides services and support to expecting mothers. They can provide housing, perinatal therapy, transportation, breast milk banks, formulas, financial and health supports, diapers, and more. Visit zorascradle.org or call 502-830-9460 for more information.

Seven Counties

Phone: 502-589-1100 | Emergency Number: 502-589-8070 | Website: sevencounties.org/schedule-appointment

Seven Counties can provide mental health testing and services for children up to 18 years old. They can work with children who may be dealing with anxiety, ADHD, and more. Seven Counties has an emergency number that is available 24 hours a day for people having mental health emergencies. The emergency number is 502-589-8070. Families can schedule an appointment by going to their website or calling 502-589-1100.

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Creative Family Counseling

Phone: 502-709-0410 | Website: creativefamilycounseling.org

Creative Family Counseling offers therapy for kids, teens, adults, and families. They also have parenting support classes and many other forms of therapy. Therapy sessions can be done online. Call 502-709-0410 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

Bernheim Forest

Phone: 502-955-8512 | Website: bernheim.org

Address: 2075 Clermont Road, Clermont, KY, 40110

Bernheim Forest is a forest with hiking trails, an educational center, and playground. Visiting the park is free. Bernheim has an event called ECO Kids Discovery Days every first and third Saturday of the month for children of all ages. Discovery Days can include story times, hikes, and discovery stations. There is a recommended $15 donation per family to participate. Bernheim has Storytime Saturdays on the third Saturday of each month. Storytime Saturdays are free, but families must register online. They also offer summer camp programs for children and teens.

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Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library

Phone: (502) 509-6249 | Website: imaginationlibrary.com/check-availability

Address: 725 S Floyd Street, Louisville, KY, 40203

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library sends a free book every month to children birth to 5 years old. The program is free and available to all children living in Kentucky. To register, families can go to the website or register in person.

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Glow Worm Cafe and Play

Phone: 502-690-4633 | Website: glowwormplaycafe.com

Glow Worm Cafe and Play is a bakery and cafe with a play area for children up to 6 years old. Adults can relax or get work done in the lounge while their children enjoy the play sessions. Families can book a spot in a play session online. Play sessions range from $10-$15 per session. Glow Worm has 3 locations that have play sessions.

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Grow Baby Grow

Phone: (859) 780-2263 | Website: growbabydance.com

Address: 834 East Broadway, Louisville, KY, 40204

Grow Baby Grow has playgroups for children ages 3 months to 5 years old. The playgroups include music, dancing, and other fun activities. Families can register for free online.

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Kentucky Museum of Arts and Crafts (KMAC)

Phone: 502-589-0102 | Website: kmacmuseum.org/tinyarttales

Address: 715 West Main Street, Louisville, KY, 40202

The Kentucky Museum of Arts and Crafts has a free event for children called Tiny Art Tales every Friday. The events include reading, singing, movement, and art making. Families do not need to sign up.

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Kentucky Science Center

Phone: 502-561-6100 | Website: kysciencecenter.org

Address: 727 W Main Street, Louisville, KY, 40202

The Kentucky Science Center has science-based activities and exhibits for children of all ages. They have workshops, summer camps, and more. Children under 2 years old are free. The Science Center is free for families who have WIC. You can buy tickets on their website or in person.

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LENA at Arts in Play

Phone: 859-780-2236 | Website: growbabydance.com/lena-at-arts-in-play

Address: 834 East Broadway, Louisville, KY, 40204

LENA at Arts in Play is a free 10-week playgroup that helps children with language and social-emotional skills. Each session includes stories, songs, and fun activities. LENA is open to children from 2-32 months (about 2 and a half years) old. Families must live in certain zip codes to join. The zip codes are listed on their webstie. Families can sign up on the website or by phone.

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Louisville Free Public Library

Phone: 502-574-1611 | Website: lfpl.org

The Louisville Free Public Library has many programs for people who have a free library card. They have free Storytimes with songs, stories, and activities. Each library location has a different schedule for story times. The schedules are on the website. The library also has summer reading programs for kids of all ages. You can get a free library card in person or on their website.

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Play Cousins Collective

Phone: 502-396-9353 | Website: playcousinscollective.wildapricot.org

Play Cousins Collective is a Black family collective with a mission to build a supportive village around children. They provide many services including parent groups, homeschool groups, story times, mental health supports, and more. Call 502-396-9353 or visit playcousinscollective.wildapricot.org  to sign up.

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Speed Art Museum

Phone: 502-634-2700 | Website: speedmuseum.org

Address: 2035 South Third Steet, Louisville, KY, 40208

The Speed Art Museum has a special part of the museum that is made for children called Art Sparks. Art Sparks is an interactive, hands-on learning area for all ages. Art Sparks also includes an area called Planet Preschool for kids aged 2-5 years old. On the first Wednesday of each month, the Speed Art Museum has a Baby Playdate with books, toys, and music. On the second Wednesday of each month, they have Toddler Takeover with storytime, artmaking, games, and puppets. Both events are included in the price of your ticket. Tickets are free every Sunday. Families can buy tickets online or in person.

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YMCA

Website: ymcalouisville.org

The YMCA has many programs for children and teens. They have dance classes, art classes, swimming lessons, youth sports, and preschool programs. The YMCA also has a free program called Early Learning Readiness for children 0-5 years old. The program includes songs, stories, family activities, and play time. Families do not have to be YMCA members to join. The program has multiple locations and families can register online or by calling 502-242-2859.