LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The average Kentucky family spends 15% of their income on child care each year.

That’s from data shared by KentuckianaWorks.

What You Need To Know

  • On Tuesday, leaders in child care gathered to talk about the impact accessibility child care can have

  • People at KentuckianaWorks said high-quality child care can make a big difference

  • The U.S. Department of Labor Women’s Bureau found in counties where women had higher incomes, their earnings still did not fully compensate for the need for child care
 

It’s significantly more than what is considered to be “affordable” child care. 

The U.S Department of Health and Human Services states that shouldn’t be more than 7% 

"What I hear every day when I speak to women is that women want to be seen, heard and part of the solution," said Grethen Hunt, the director for the Office of Women.

People at KentuckianaWorks said high-quality child care can make a big difference.

It can lead to academic readiness, improve a child’s chances of going to college and even improve their future earning. 

They also say that quality child care can lead to a decrease in crime and poverty by increasing economic productivity. 

People at “Kentucky Youth Advocates” said children of all socioeconomic backgrounds should have access to that quality and that it should be affordable.

"You’re dealing with human capital in child care. The providers are what people are paying for their child to be with those individuals and skilled teachers,” Sarah Vanover with Kentucky Youth Advocates said. 

The representative with “Play Cousins Collective” also took part in the panel held the “Office for Women.” 

They said peace of mind is also imperative. 

"You have to love them because you don’t know what they’re getting at home. And so if you’re the only place they can get a hot meal or a hug, or a high-five, or praise, you know it’s important that everyone has that same intention when dealing with any child," Mahogany Livers with Play Cousins Collective said. 

The U.S.Department of  Labor Women’s Bureau found in counties where women had higher incomes, their earnings still did not fully compensate for the need for child care, and the price for child care still limited maternal employment even in higher-wage areas.

In this area, Louisville, the parents can pay more than in some of our rural areas but there’s still not a lot of variation, Vanover said. 

The Kentucky Center for Economic Policy found that in the past two years, Jefferson County has had a 9% decrease in child care programs.

Monday's event, called “Strengthening the Childcare Infrastructure,” called for targeted investments and policies to help parents. 

The Office for Women received a grant to help with that in January. 

That money is being used to help immigrant women you are planning to open family child care homes.