Kentucky Department of Community Based Services Commissioner Theresa James says the Commonwealth is among the recipients of a federal “Race to the Top” grant. She says the money will help parents find quality childcare, an expense that can be as much as a home mortgage. James says the grant will also address child care quality, which can vary drastically based on affordability.
“I don’t want them to get the bare minimum childcare. What if we really did have children emotionally and physically and intellectually prepared to walk into Kindergarten.” James said.
Early learning programs nationwide are now including a "quality rating and improvement system," or QRIS, allowing parents to rank the best care for their families. According to James, QRIS along with the development programs implemented with the “Race to the Top” grant will help improve childcare quality. Parents finding childcare cost difficult can apply for the state’s C-CAP subsidy.
Applicants can check to see if they meet the criteria and income limits on the Child Care Council of Kentucky website or can apply at their local Child Care Council of Kentucky office.
A list of local childcare providers can be found on the Cabinet for Health and Family Services online Kentucky Integrated Childcare System.
