The Horizons Act addresses early childhood education crisis

FRANKFORT, Ky. (WTVQ) — Earlier today Senator Danny Carroll announced The Horizons Act, a $300 million-dollar childcare bill that aims to address the Commonwealth’s early childhood education crisis.

“This transformational piece of legislation and the accompanying $150 million per year appropriation request will go a long way towards averting the impending crisis we are about to face,” Sen. Carroll said.

The bill would establish different funds, allow for students to open their own childcare center following graduation, and cover the fees for background checks on future employees.

Jennifer Washburn, an owner of an early childhood education center, says learning should start at birth, not at age 5. She believes if this bill is passed, it will be the first step toward a higher quality childcare industry.

“The Horizon Act gives hope, hope that real change is on the horizon for Kentucky’s youngest citizens and their families,” Washburn said.

Childcare is one of the most unique sectors of our economy because no other sectors can survive without it.

The Horizons Act aims to make sure the youngest children in the Commonwealth have a solid educational foundation.

“The providers in our Commonwealth, our families, our kids, you mean something to us and we’re going to invest in you,” Sen. Carroll said. “We’re going to ensure that our economy moves forward and that we have a workforce and that we have quality education for our kids.”