Data shows a significant child poverty level in Carlisle County. Compounded by a lack of quality educational engagement opportunities and little to no access to approved childcare facilities, there is an obvious need for assistance in the area of early childhood development for children ages 0-5. 

The Four River Communities Early Childhood Council is a collaborative of the four river counties of far Western Kentucky: Ballard, Carlisle, Hickman, and Fulton. These counties share not only a geographical similarity, but a need for funding and resources in early childhood programming and education. The collaborative was formed to address this concern and aim towards the goal of improving  access to quality educational experiences, childcare facilities, and most importantly educate parents about milestones and developmental stages and their role as the primary educator. The team was successfully able to secure full funding from the Governor's Office of Early Childhood in the amount of $43,500.