Strong Start

Twenty to thirty years ago, Family Child Care (FCC) Providers (regulated home-based childcare businesses) were a part of the childcare landscape in Kentucky and, along with childcare centers, provided parents with a choice to best meet their childcare needs. In 2021, few FCC Providers still exist in Kentucky.

What a life changing time these past three months have been! And I’m not just talking about the pandemic! I am now the proud parent of a beautiful baby girl—and now I have to return to work. I thought I had child care figured out, but the center just closed the infant room because a staff member tested positive for COVID-19. Now what am I supposed to do? I’ve called other child care centers in the area, but no one has an opening for an infant!

Each year, about 165,000 infants and toddlers under the age of three – a number more than the combined population of Bowling Green, Owensboro, and Richmond – learn and grow across Kentucky. Many working families face daunting challenges finding safe, reliable, and vibrant child care options for these youngest Kentuckians. Their challenges have grown even more acute. Even before the COVID-19 public health crisis disrupted the child care landscape (see Kentucky Child Care Provider Survey), child care centers across Kentucky were limiting enrollment due to challenges finding qualified employees. Far fewer Kentuckians were providing child care in their homes as a family child care provider – those who meet state standards for safety, health, and quality.