Checkmarks Champions are the valued community partners who help bring our mission to life. By supporting and promoting early childhood development resources, these organizations empower Greater Owensboro’s youngest learners to build essential skills for Kindergarten and beyond. Together, we’re creating a community where play, learning, and growth go hand-in-hand—setting our children on a path to lifelong success. Explore how our champions are making an impact and join us in celebrating their contributions!
Daviess County Public Library
The Daviess County Public Library is a cornerstone of knowledge, promoting curiosity, and literacy by offering vibrant spaces, innovative resources, and dynamic programming for all ages. Through collaborations with Checkmarks, the library advances the "Play, Learn, Grow" philosophy, encouraging families to embrace playful learning experiences. Their programs, such as weekly story times for preschoolers and Baby Book Bundles, foster early literacy and inspire young minds. Whether you're seeking a quiet place to read, engaging activities for children, or hands-on learning opportunities, the library offers something for everyone.
9:00 am – 9:00 pm Monday – Thursday
9:00 am – 8:00 pm Friday
9:00 am – 6:00 pm Saturday
1:00 pm – 5:00 pm Sunday
The Owensboro Family YMCA is taking bold strides to become a leader in early childcare, enhancing the quality of care across our community. As a proud Checkmarks Champion, the YMCA aligns with our mission by promoting early childhood development through play, physical activity, and educational programming. Their commitment to creating engaging, high-quality childcare environments ensures children build critical skills for Kindergarten and beyond. From their activity walls to their enriching programs, the YMCA is helping to elevate early learning opportunities for families throughout Owensboro.
The Owensboro Family YMCA
5:00 am – 9:00 pm Monday – Friday
7:00 am – 6:00 pm Saturday
1:00 pm – 6:00 pm Sunday
The Daviess County Cooperative Extension is an outreach service of University of Kentucky and Kentucky State University. Extension is present in every Kentucky county and is found throughout the United States. County Extension Agents and program assistants serve as the links between local communities and experts at the universities. You can often find representatives from the Extension Service out in the community promoting healthy eating and agricultural issues. They were key experts in helping Checkmarks develop healthy family friendly recipes to include as a resource on our website.
Daviess County Cooperative Extension Service
The Center
The Center in Owensboro is a trusted resource for children and families across the Green River area. Committed to creating strong, caring connections, The Center offers services like supervised visitation, parent education, and family support to help break cycles and build resilience. As a proud Checkmarks Champion, The Center has embraced the mission of early learning by incorporating tools like Checkmarks hopscotch games and book giveaways into their daily work. Their team also shares information about Checkmarks’ ParentPowered text messages with families, helping caregivers build confidence and find simple ways to support their child’s development at home.
Daviess County Public Schools
Daviess County Public Schools (DCPS) stands as a proud Checkmarks Champion, dedicated to building a strong educational foundation for every child in the community. DCPS prioritizes academic excellence, character development, and experiential learning, ensuring students are well-prepared for their future. By partnering with Checkmarks, DCPS reinforces the importance of early learning and interactive play to help young students Play, Learn, Grow. With a variety of family-focused resources, early childhood programs, and opportunities for hands-on learning, DCPS actively promotes the Checkmarks mission, making every child's first school experience as enriching and engaging as possible. We work closely with Burns Elementary.
Owensboro Public Schools
Owensboro Public Schools (OPS) is a valued Checkmarks Champion, dedicated to nurturing young minds and preparing students for a lifetime of success. With a commitment to personalized education, OPS offers students a range of programs that spark curiosity, foster confidence, and promote critical thinking from an early age. Through its partnership with Checkmarks, OPS supports family-centered learning and play-focused activities that enhance kindergarten readiness and foundational skills. From engaging classrooms to specialized resources, OPS embraces the Play, Learn, Grow philosophy, creating dynamic learning environments that inspire students and families alike. We work closely with Foust Elementary.
Owensboro Museum of Science & History
The Owensboro Museum of Science and History is a hub of discovery, sparking curiosity and hands-on learning for children and families. With interactive exhibits, engaging programs, and a commitment to making learning fun, the museum plays a vital role in early childhood development. Through its partnership with Checkmarks, the museum embraces the "Play, Learn, Grow" philosophy, encouraging young minds to explore, question, and create. From immersive play areas to STEM-focused activities, every visit offers opportunities for children to build essential skills while having fun.
Owensboro Parks & Recreation
Owensboro Parks & Recreation plays a vital role in creating safe, welcoming spaces where children and families can play, explore, and grow together. As a valued Checkmarks Champion, the Parks Department has partnered to bring interactive learning to life through installations like StoryWalk® trails and custom activity signs that align with Checkmarks themes. These fun, educational features encourage families to move, imagine, and learn while enjoying the beauty of our local parks. By working together, Owensboro Parks & Recreation and Checkmarks are helping build a community where every child can thrive from the playground to the classroom.