Nearly all households in the region's counties face childcare barriers, and in 79 of the state's 120 counties, there are not enough childcare providers to meet demand.
Chelsi Harville, Kentucky state director for the nonprofit Save the Children, said her organization is working to build up the local workforce with funding from the Appalachian Regional Initiative for Stronger Economies.
"On average, most children in these rural communities, children under the age of 5, do not have access to a childcare center within 10 miles of their home," Harville reported. "We also see that the providers of these childcare centers face persistent obstacles."
The effort, which began in 2024, is expected to help nearly 400 people over a five-year period.
Harville explained that the goal is to help people obtain certifications to start their own childcare business or pursue higher education.
"We are offering access to obtaining the Child Development Associates credential in infant, toddler, preschool, or family childcare, leading to qualifications for immediate employment," Harville outlined.
Credentials, degrees, and training are earned through Eastern Kentucky University, the Eastern Kentucky Concentrated Employment Program, and other regional institutions.
Karen Harrison, lead adviser for workforce development at Save the Children, added that the program also offers fully or partially paid tuition along with stipends.
"We want to be able to provide some cash so that individuals can use that towards childcare, they can use it towards transportation, they can use it towards technology needs, whatever they might need individually," Harrison explained.
Kentucky lawmakers passed significant childcare reforms through House Bill 6 this year, which creates a statewide childcare microcenter pilot program. It is also expected to strengthen the state's Child Care Assistance Program and streamline regulations for providers.
