Contact:
Mara Powell
mpowell@kyyouth.org

Statement from Dr. Terry Brooks, executive director of Kentucky Youth Advocates

LOUISVILLE, KY – Child care advocates are cheering as House Bill 6 passed the Kentucky Senate floor this afternoon. With the leadership of Representative Samara Heavrin, this robust legislation thoughtfully strengthens Kentucky’s child care infrastructure for the bottom line of families, businesses, and the state budget. 

Among its many components, HB 6 will impact accessibility, affordability, and availability of quality child care centers across the Commonwealth, especially among children with disabilities, families who are low income, and parents who currently work in centers. It addresses growing concerns of safety and access to care for children with disabilities by requiring three hours of providers’ annual training be focused on supporting children with disabilities. Child care providers are less likely to enroll – and even three times more likely to expel – children with special needs or disabilities due to their typically more challenging behaviors and need for more individualized care. This legislation can set teachers up for successfully and safely caring for young children with special needs. 

We are also celebrating as the Senate supported House Joint Resolution 50, which directs the Auditor’s Office to commission a study of child care and offer recommendations to further improve access and quality.

Kentucky Youth Advocates joins the statewide list of advocates, child care providers, business leaders, faith-based organizations, school administrators, and elected officials in thanking the General Assembly for their focus on improving the child care ecosystem and their support of HB 6 this session. Once concurred in the House, we hope the Governor signs HB 6 into law with the same focus and support.

Stay up-to-date on Blueprint for Kentucky’s Children priorities and other bills that are good for kids on our Kentucky General Assembly Bill Tracker.

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About Kentucky Youth Advocates
Kentucky Youth Advocates believes all children deserve to be safe, healthy, and secure. As THE independent voice for Kentucky’s children, we work to ensure policymakers create investments and policies that are good for children. Learn more at www.kyyouth.org.