Child Care in Southern Indiana: On the Grow

Prosser Career Education Center

Southern Indiana, like many regions across the U.S., is experiencing a child care shortage. However, area leaders are working on creative solutions to address the issue, from repurposing buildings to expanding programming to connecting businesses and organizations with necessary funding. Here’s a look at what’s happening with child care in Southern Indiana.

READI for Child Care Projects in Southern Indiana

Some recent projects received funding from the state’s Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative (READI). Indiana’s previous governor launched READI in 2021, allocating money to regions throughout the state to fund projects focused on quality of life, quality of place and quality of opportunity. 

“Without affordable and accessible child care, the Scott County workforce stays stagnant,” says Cory Cochran, executive director of River Hills Economic Development, an allocator of READI funds. “We’re hopeful that this access helps the workforce keep growing.” 

The Scott County Family YMCA is one recipient of READI funds. The facility has been closed for seven years, but plans are underway to convert the unusable pool area into a child care facility, with capacity for 80 early childhood learners. READI has committed $1.5 million to renovate the 10,000-square-foot space. 

Nearby River Ridge Commerce Center, stretching from Jeffersonville to Charlestown, is a former Army propellants manufacturer that has been redeveloped into a commerce park. An economic engine for the region, the 6,000-acre property is home to more than 60 national and international companies. It’s only partially complete, but growth in jobs and population has generated a need for child care. 

Currently, the early learning academy at the River Ridge Learning Center has 55 students ages 2-5. The planned expansion will be in River Ridge Commerce Park (though it will be open to the public) and will grow to accommodate 200 students, ages newborn to 6 years old. The project has received $1 million in READI funds. 

Expansion in New Albany

In New Albany, Prosser Career Education Center is a free educational facility that offers 1,500 junior and senior high school students from six counties the opportunity to explore 30 career paths. 

“Our early childhood program, like all of our programs, has an on-site lab that offers real-world experiences,” says Dr. Kyle Lanoue, career and technical education program director. “We have a fully operational child care center that currently offers programming for 3- and 4-year-olds.” 

The planned expansion will add capacity for 2-year-olds in the group, which currently has 60 children. Roughly 60 teen caregivers are in the early childhood program, receiving certifications and dual credit. Their goal is to provide high quality and affordable child care to area families. 

“It’s the perfect scenario,” Lanoue says. “We’re training future early childhood educators while providing child care at an affordable rate.”