Save the Children Federation will use an $8 million grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission to grow the region's childcare and early education workforce in Kentucky, Tennessee and West Virginia through training, credentialing, apprenticeships and technical assistance. According to Public News Service, the initiative targets rural childcare providers facing persistent obstacles to maintain and expand their operations.

Seventy-nine of Kentucky's 120 counties are childcare deserts, meaning there's not enough childcare in those counties. Nearly all households in Appalachian Kentucky counties face childcare barriers. The effort, which began in 2024, is expected to help nearly 400 people over a five-year period by offering certifications through Eastern Kentucky University and other regional institutions.

Chelsi Harville, Kentucky state director for Save the Children, said the organization is working to build up the local workforce. "On average, most children in these rural communities, children under the age of 5, do not have access to a childcare center within 10 miles of their home," Harville reported. The program offers tuition support and stipends to help participants obtain Child Development Associates credentials in infant, toddler, preschool, or family childcare positions.

Even when paying childcare employees low wages, the average childcare provider in Kentucky is losing money. Karen Harrison, lead adviser of workforce development for Save the Children, explained the program provides financial support for childcare, transportation, technology needs and other individual expenses participants might require.

In February 2026, the Kentucky House passed comprehensive child care reform legislation with 84 votes, including House Bill 6, which would codify free child care for child care providers, base child care assistance subsidies on community-level cost of childcare, launch data collection on the industry, and require training for providers caring for children with special needs. The bill creates a pilot program for microcenters—freestanding facilities run by experienced providers—with the cabinet prioritizing microcenters in rural areas serving parents who work nontraditional hours.