CARROLL FILES THE HORIZONS ACT
Transformational early childhood education legislation
FRANKFORT, KY (February 13, 2024) - Sen. Danny Carroll, R-Benton, officially filed the “Horizons Act” Tuesday afternoon. The proposal, Senate Bill 203, seeks to usher in a new era for Kentucky's children and working families, focusing on transformative support for early childhood education (ECE).
Provisions of the Horizons Act promote holistic improvements to ECE infrastructure by creating funding programs, establishing higher-education programs relating to the Kentucky Community and Technical College Systems (KCTCS), promoting provider growth, placing intense focus on quality ECE, and promoting innovation in the delivery of services.
During a Tuesday press conference, Dr. Sarah Vanover of Kentucky Youth Advocates (KYA) underscored the critical role of early learning in supporting families and preparing children for success in kindergarten. She stated, “Child care is an essential support for the whole family. Families will not go to work if they are worried about the health and safety of their children.”
Addressing the challenges faced by ECE centers, KYA has highlighted that 20 percent of Kentucky’s centers are at risk of closing post-federal pandemic relief. To address this, the Horizons Act introduces targeted funding programs through four new funds.
TARGETED FUNDING PROGRAMS
The Innovations in ECE Delivery Fund aims to support innovative child care options, including on-site employer-based care and non-traditional hour services.
The Foundations for Early Learning Fund provides funding to ECE providers based on enrollment numbers to offset rising wages and material costs. Grant awards would be awarded based on enrollment numbers, similar to the SEEK formula in K-12 education.
The In-home Early Childhood Provider Fund supports start-up funding for small, certified providers operating in private homes, particularly in rural areas.
The ECE Provider Start-up Fund focuses on establishing new child care services in areas with limited access, known as child care deserts.
Recognizing the importance of collaboration between the private sector and public stakeholders, the Innovations in ECE Delivery Fund encourages existing innovative models, such as the on-site employer-based child care at Toyota in Georgetown to create similar centers.
Dr. Charles Aull, executive director of the Kentucky Chamber Center for Policy and Research, stressed the critical role of quality child care in workforce and economic development.
“Ensuring that working parents have access to high-quality care and education opportunities for their children is a critical workforce and economic priority,” he said. “Investments in early childhood education services can help reverse the commonwealth’s unsustainable workforce trends by removing barriers to work and supporting workforce participation among adults. It also improves our business competitiveness by sending a strong message to employers that Kentucky is serious about solving our workforce crisis. Policymakers would be hard pressed to find a more worthwhile investment.”
Further focusing on the economic impacts of a lack of reliable ECE, the Horizons Act introduces an associate degree program in interdisciplinary ECE entrepreneurship through KCTCS to address workforce needs related to the economic aspect of ECE in Kentucky. Jessie Schook, speaking on behalf of KCTCS President Dr. Ryan Quarles, expressed support for Carroll’s efforts, stating that the program would equip individuals with the necessary skills to work within and own high-quality facilities.
Recognizing the imminent end of federal funds, the Horizons Act also focuses on preserving pandemic-era improvements to the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), Kentucky’s subsidy program for low-income families. This includes ensuring that more low-income families can access and afford quality care while supporting providers and early childhood educators.
Dr. Jennifer Washburn, owner and operator of iKids Childhood Enrichment Center, highlighted the challenges faced by ECE centers following the expiration of federal funds and expressed optimism about the ongoing investments outlined in the Horizon Act.
FEDERAL FUNDS ENDING
As the federal American Rescue Plan Act funding for Kentucky's child care industry and programs approaches depletion, the Horizons Act becomes even more crucial. Kentucky received over $763 million to support the child care industry, with approximately $200 million remaining as of November 2023. The funds must be expended by September 2024.
During the press conference, Carroll encouraged support from his legislative colleagues and emphasized the significance of the Horizons Act in building a better future for Kentucky’s children, families and the business sector.
“There is a bright horizon of endless possibilities out there for Kentucky’s kids, and I believe this bill will address many facets related to early learning,” Carroll said. “By putting these provisions in place to strengthen our economy, improve the workforce, support ECE providers and benefit working families, we can be an innovator in early education service accessibility, and how the services are delivered.”
To support the Horizon Act, Carroll will request a total investment of $300 million in the 2024-2026 state budget, $150 million in each fiscal year.
Find the Tuesday press conference via the Senate Majority Caucus Facebook Page by CLICKING HERE.
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Senator Danny Carroll, R-Benton, represents the 2nd Senate District, including Ballard, Carlisle, Livingston, Marshall, and McCracken Counties. He serves as Senate Families and Children Committee chair. He is also a Senate Education, Health Services and Judiciary committee member. Additionally, Carroll is a member of the Public Pension Oversight Board, Juvenile Justice Oversight Council, and the Legislative Oversight and Investigations Committee.
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