Knauf helps bring early education to Shelby County

Knauf Insulation, Inc. joined community leaders Tuesday for the grand opening of the Shelbyville Early Learning Center.

This state-of-the-art facility addresses one of Shelby County’s most critical needs — accessible, high-quality early childhood education and care. As a significant donor, Knauf contributed $350,000 to support the center’s development.

Serving children ages six weeks to six years, the center is the first of its kind in Shelby County — addressing what has been a long-standing childcare need. The 26,000-square-foot facility represents a five-year, community-driven effort to improve childcare access and invest in the future of local families.

Designed with both education and enrichment in mind, the center can serve up to 96 children and includes a number of unique features to engage young learners — including a splash pad that provides opportunities for experiential learning through play and motion.

Located in Intelliplex Park and operated by Bright Horizons, the nation's leading provider of employer-sponsored childcare, the facility opened its doors in December 2024 and reached full capacity immediately.

Knauf North America, one of Shelbyville’s largest employers, brought its creativity to the project, designing and sponsoring the facility’s lobby. The focal point is a blue “river” flowing across the front desk that incorporates soft lighting and creates a serene and welcoming environment.

The river was constructed using 400 pounds of shimmering blue cullet — recycled glass, critical to the manufacture of Knauf’s product and sustainability mission. The entryway continues the theme with winding blue “rivers” along the floor, bear paw prints embedded in concrete walkways, and storyboards that bring to life “The Bears of Blue River,” a beloved piece of local lore.

 “This center not only helps support a critical need in our community, but also gives our youngest learners a magical, inspiring environment where they can grow and thrive,” said Bill Matthias, CFO at Knauf. “We’re proud to support future generations by helping the Shelby County community in a way that blends innovation, education, and heart to support working families.”

With the ability to enroll children as young as six weeks old, this is the first facility of its kind in Shelby County and a major step toward closing the childcare gap. Currently, licensed childcare facilities in the county serve only 40% of children under five.

"A significant barrier for individuals living and working in Shelby County has been the lack of accessible childcare. Thanks to our partnership with Knauf, Early Learning Shelby County can now offer families support for affordable and reliable childcare," said Allison E. Coburn, executive director of Early Learning Shelby County. "Without Knauf's generous donation of $350,000 and the beautiful custom artwork welcoming families to their home away from home, the Julia and Nicholas Runnebohm Early Learning Center would struggle to fulfill its mission of creating positive change in the lives of those we serve. Their support empowers us to make a lasting impact, turning challenges into opportunities."

For more information about the Early Learning Center, visit: https://child-care-preschool.brighthorizons.com/in/shelbyville/runnebohm.

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