More than $4 million in federal stimulus money will go to child care providers' after-school programs.
$2 million will support training for providers on research into how infants and toddlers develop. It will also show them how to incorporate that research into their centers.
Another million will go to making training more accessible to providers throughout Kentucky.
A release from the governor's office says funds will also be used to:
- Develop a comprehensive Web-based data system for processing and maintaining provider records;
- Support a partnership with Prevent Child Abuse Kentucky on the "Never Shake a Baby" initiative, which teaches parents and caregivers how to cope with the stress of caring for an infant;
- Promote to both parents and providers STARS for KIDS Now, a voluntary quality rating system for child care centers; and
- Purchase child booster car seats and work with the Department for Public Health to develop a plan for distribution. Legislation passed in the 2008 session of the General Assembly (SB 120) requires children under 7 who are between 40 and 50 inches in height to be secured in child booster seats.
