Kentucky’s childcare sector could be in trouble. That’s according to a new report being released by the Prichard Committee for Academic Excellence. Three years of the coronavirus pandemic has also made childcare more difficult to access in the Bluegrass State.
Ben Gies is the author of the report “A Fragile Ecosystem: COVID-19’s impact on Kentucky’s Childcare Sector.” In an interview on WEKU’s Eastern Standard, Gies said there is more to blame for the state of childcare in Kentucky than the pandemic.
“The childcare crisis in Kentucky existed long before the COVID-19 Pandemic. This is not simply a product or biproduct of the pandemic, but rather something that has been going on in this state for truly decades.”
Gies said once the relief funds from the American Rescue Plan Act run out, 70% of childcare providers say they will have to raise tuition and around 20% said they would have to close their center.
He said lawmakers in Kentucky need to help secure regular funding for childcare.
“It would be wonderful to show up in Frankfort for a state budget session and it not be a true do or die moment for the sector or a hair on fire moment for the sector. But rather, let’s invest wisely, let’s stabilize the sector once and for all.”
Gies said having stable childcare services allows more Kentuckians to work and contribute to the economy. He said Kentucky has used its federal money for childcare well, but it will expire before the next budget session of the legislature.
More with Ben Gies with the Prichard Committee for Academic Excellence can be heard later this week on Eastern Standard on WEKU.
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