On Friday, Kentucky education advocates gathered with U.S. Representative Andy Barr to explore ways to enhance child care in the state. The roundtable, hosted by the Prichard Committee, took place at Bluegrass Community and Technical College.
The discussion focused on supporting students with children and addressing the need for a stronger workforce in Kentucky. According to the Prichard Committee, child care costs consume 7 to 10 percent of a two-income family’s income. For single parents, this cost rises to 23 percent, and for single parents with infants, it exceeds 33 percent.
Committee President Brigitte Blom highlighted the challenges these costs pose for parents trying to enter the workforce or pursue education. She emphasized that federal investment in child care is crucial for making it more affordable and ensuring quality care. Such investment also helps families stay connected to the workforce.
Rep. Barr expressed his support for child care programs in schools, noting their role in helping parents become self-sufficient and in providing a positive role model for their children. “It produces self-sufficient parents who can take care of their kids and provide them with the self-esteem that comes from seeing their parents being productive and achieving upward mobility,” Barr said.
The group also discussed the success of BCTC’s CCAMPIS program, a federal grant initiative that supports child care for low-income students in higher education. BCTC currently has 30 students participating in this program.