2025 Annual Report

2024 – 2025 Impact Report

A MESSSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

What a powerful year it’s been for EC LEARN and for early childhood education across Kentucky. With your continued support and partnership, we’ve taken bold steps to strengthen the early care and education workforce, expand access for families, and build momentum for lasting, systemic change.

This year brought significant growth for the Family Child Care Network of Kentucky. EC LEARN continues to advocate for family child care programs, a vital part of our early childhood ecosystem. These home-based programs offer the flexibility and trusted relationships that so many working families rely on. As our state works to expand access to preschool through Governor Beshear’s “Pre-K for All” initiative, EC LEARN remains a strong voice for a mixed delivery system — giving families the option to choose the setting that best fits their needs, whether that’s public preschool, Head Start, child care centers, or family child care homes.

Our work in Boone County has also deepened this year, especially through family engagement efforts like Boone’s Beginners and hands-on workshops delivered in partnership with Boone County Schools. With support from the Boone County Early Childhood Fund, EC LEARN worked with seven local early childhood programs to strengthen grant readiness and expand access to quality care. These efforts have sparked new opportunities with school leadership, and we’re proud to help shape future planning for early learning in the county.

Today and every day, I celebrate the hardworking, passionate staff who drive EC LEARN’s mission forward. We were especially proud to see Karen Sherman recognized as a KET Education All Star for her leadership in early childhood advocacy and community engagement across Norther Kentucky. Her recognition reflects the dedication and impact of all of our work. But he work isn’t done, and we can’t do it alone. Continued investment in early care and education is essential. With your support, we can empower more educators, reach more families, and build a stronger future for Kentucky’s youngest learners.

Download the full 2025 Annual Report