FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 27, 2023

LEXINGTON, Ky. — Early care and education programs play a vital role in supporting Kentucky’s workforce, allowing parents to work while providing children with safe, enriching learning environments. However, Kentucky’s child care system is facing a significant challenge as the funding to stabilize child care businesses from the American Rescue Plan Act is scheduled to end on September 30.

The early child care community has been working to raise awareness about the potential impact of this approaching deadline, and it is concerning that the Cabinet for Health and Family Services has not yet committed to a plan to address this issue, as mentioned in a meeting of the Interim Committee on Families and Children this week. We’ve discussed our concern previously with the cabinet and have yet to see a plan publicized, leaving child care providers in a state of extreme uncertainty.

We strongly urge the cabinet to prioritize Kentucky’s child care providers and take immediate action by issuing an additional stabilization payment before the deadline. Timely and transparent communication with child care business owners and working families is of utmost importance, enabling them to make well-informed decisions that contribute to the well-being of Kentucky’s children and overall economic stability.

Without this necessary support, providers could face closures, layoffs and disruptions that ultimately jeopardize the safety and well-being of children, as well as Kentucky’s economy. Child care business owners and working families need action and answers now to navigate this challenging situation effectively.

Contact: 
Courtney Daniel, Director of Communications and External Affairs
courtney@prichardcommittee.org