Family Navigation
Step-by-step help with finding child care or preschool understanding your options, and applying for tuition support.
Finding child care or early learning opportunities can feel like a full-time job. You may be juggling waitlists, work schedules, costs, and a hundred unanswered questions.
Thrive By 5 Louisville’s Family Navigators are trained professionals who work one-on-one with you to make the early childhood education process easier to navigate. We listen first, then help you take the next step with confidence.
We’re here to help. Fill out the form to get started.
What do Family Navigators do?
Think of us like your personal child care guide. We help you:
- Find early childhood education options that fit your budget, schedule, location, and your child’s needs
- Identify centers with availability for your child’s age
- Prepare and schedule calls and tours, so you know what to ask
- Gather the right documents and complete applications
- Check your eligibility for CCAP, Thrive’s Family Access Scholarships, and JCPS Head Start
- Guide you so the process does not stall
We focus first on early childhood education options in our Thrive Quality+ Centers (link to Quality+ page), a group of trusted sites across Louisville. But we will help you find care anywhere that is the right fit for your family.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it cost to work with a Family Navigator?
It is free.
Who can get help?
Any family looking for child care in Jefferson County, Kentucky. Whether you are an expecting mother, considering preschool, applying for tuition support, or paying on your own, we help you understand options, compare programs, and plan next steps.
What kind of child care can you help me find?
We start with the Thrive Centers that are Quality+ providers, but we will help you find the best fit anywhere in Jefferson County. You can explore different types of care, including centers and other licensed options, and talk through what might fit your child’s age, your work schedule, and your priorities.
What happens after I submit the form?
A Family Navigator will contact you to learn what you need, answer questions, and outline next steps. You can tell us the best way and time to reach you.
What if I do not qualify for CCAP or other tuition support?
You can still work with a Family Navigator. Many families assume they do not qualify for tuition support, or they want help finding early childhood education that fits their schedule, location, and budget. We help you by determining if you qualify for tuition assistance, identifying programs with openings, understanding costs, asking the right questions on tours, and building a plan that works for your family.
I am nervous about sharing information. What do you do with my information?
We use only the information you share to support your early care and learning search and connect you with resources. We do not sell your information. You can tell us what you are comfortable sharing, and you can stop at any time.
What if I speak a language other than English?
Tell us what language you prefer. Our Family Navigators speak English and Spanish. We use interpretation services for other languages so you can get support in your native language.
Resources for Families
Why Early Learning Matters
What children gain and the life-long impact.
How to Spot Quality in Early Care and Learning Providers
Find questions to ask and a downloadable tour checklist.
Where to Start
Start here for simple steps to choosing child care.
Help Paying for Early Childhood Education
Learn about tuition support and get help with your application.