News
For Ivory Smith, a career in early childhood education has always been more than a job, it’s a dream she grew up watching her mother pursue.
Ivory’s mother owned a child care center, and as Ivory watched her care for and teach young children, she knew she wanted to follow in her footsteps.
But having a passion for children doesn’t necessarily mean feeling prepared to step into a classroom.
When Ivory decided to pursue a career in early childhood education, she was nervous about what to expect.
“I was very nervous about going into a classroom,” Ivory shared.
That’s where 4-C’s KEEP (Kentucky Early Educator Pool) Career Training Program helped turn a longtime dream into a career.
Taking the First Step
KEEP helps aspiring early childhood educators gain the foundational training, certifications, and support they need to enter the child care profession prepared and confident.
For Ivory, that preparation made a real difference.
“The program showed me what to expect and helped me with things like finding jobs, CPR, and what you need to know with little kids.”
One of the most valuable parts of the program for Ivory was earning her CPR certification, something she had never learned before but recognized as an essential skill when working with young children.
That practical preparation, combined with 4-C’s career guidance and support, helped Ivory move from feeling nervous about entering a classroom to feeling ready to begin her career.
“Working with 4-C has been awesome. It really helps me step by step, and you guys are a big help too.”
Ivory’s Story Is Part of a Bigger Impact
Ivory is one of many aspiring educators who have found a pathway into early childhood education through KEEP.
In just a little over a year:
154 people have participated in KEEP.
85 have completed the program.
72 hires have been made through this program.
That means dozens of new educators are now bringing their skills, preparation, and passion into classrooms where young children are learning and growing.
But 4-C’s support doesn’t end when an educator gets a job.
Building Careers, Not Just Filling Positions
Early childhood educators have an enormous responsibility. They create safe and nurturing environments, support children’s development, build relationships with families, and help young children develop the skills they need for success in school and beyond.
Preparing educators well matters.
That’s why 4-C provides opportunities for educators to continue learning and growing after they enter the field.
19 KEEP participants have enrolled in 4-C’s Child Development Associate (CDA) Program, continuing their professional development and deepening their understanding of child development and effective teaching practices. Another 5 participants are on track to soon earn their CDA.
For Ivory, continuing her education through the CDA program means gaining knowledge she can put into practice every day.
“You get to learn more, way more than what you know, and become more educated with being with kids, because it can get difficult.”
Her experience reflects an important part of 4-C’s approach: preparing educators for their first day in the classroom while helping them build the skills they need for a lasting career.
When We Invest in Educators, We Invest in Children
Ivory began with a childhood dream inspired by her mother. KEEP helped give her the confidence and preparation to make that dream a reality.
Her story shows what can happen when aspiring educators have someone to help them navigate the journey, step by step.
And when an educator is prepared, the impact reaches far beyond that individual.
It reaches the children in their classroom.
It reaches families who depend on high-quality child care.
It reaches child care programs working to build strong teams.
And it strengthens our community by building a more skilled and supported early childhood workforce.
In just over a year, KEEP has helped 154 people begin that journey. For Ivory and a multitude of other new educators, that journey has already led to a child care classroom.
For Ivory, it’s a journey that began with a dream.
“Working with 4-C has been awesome. It really helps me step by step.”
At 4-C, we believe every aspiring educator deserves the opportunity to take that next step, and every child deserves an educator who is prepared to help them learn, grow, and thrive.
During Give for Good Louisville on Thursday, September 10, 2026, make a gift to 4-C and invest in the educators who nurture, teach, and inspire our community’s youngest children.
Give for Good. Give to 4-C. Invest in educators. Empower children. Strengthen our community.
Give for Good is today! Click here to donate!
