In communities across Eastern Kentucky, the need for quality childcare is growing.
Families are searching for trusted, local options. In some areas, early childhood programs like Head Start have scaled back or closed entirely for certain age groups. Schools are feeling the impact as children enter kindergarten without key early learning experiences.
At the same time, many of the people best equipped to help are already caring for children at home, supporting neighbors, or dreaming of opening a childcare center.
You may not realize you could be the one to make a difference.
Are you a stay-at-home parent, a church leader with extra space, an early educator with a dream, a center owner thinking of expanding, or a community member who wants to create something lasting?
Then our no-cost virtual educational briefing on August 12 is for you.
Start a Child Care Program at Home or in a Center
Not knowing what to expect or how to begin is one of the biggest reasons people hold back from starting a childcare business. If you’re unsure about the steps, requirements, or regulations, you aren’t alone.
Join us for an online education session on August 12 from 6-7 p.m. ET: Start a Child Care Program at Home or in a Center.
This online education session is for you if you’re:
- Exploring childcare as a business
- Currently providing care and want to get licensed
- Looking to connect with experts and local support
We’ll explain the rules, walk you through the paperwork, and answer frequently asked questions:
- Can I start from my home?
- What kind of license do I need?
- What red tape will I run into and how do I handle it?
- What support is available to help me get started?
Our goal is to make the process of starting a childcare business straightforward so you can move forward equipped with the information and support you need to get started.
This free webinar is led by professionals who know Eastern Kentucky because they work in it every day. From hands-on business support to early childhood education and licensing, each speaker brings years of experience helping local entrepreneurs succeed. You’ll hear directly from the people who will support you through every step of launching a childcare program, whether you’re opening a center or starting in your home.
- Danna Barnett, Shaping Our Appalachian Region
- Kerrigan Bolling, Shaping Our Appalachian Region
- Cody Gayheart, Shaping Our Appalachian Region
- Becky Stacy, Appalachian Early Childhood Network
- Karen Thompson, Appalachian Early Childhood Network
- Tonya Lambert, Appalachian Early Childhood Network
- Rebecca Shepperd, Appalachian Early Childhood Network
- Suzanne Ross, Child Care Aware Kentucky
- Michelle Lowe, Child Care Aware Kentucky
The session will take place online via Zoom. To join, you’ll need a digital device and an internet connection. After you register, we’ll email you the Zoom link and login details.
Ready to Make a Difference in Early Childhood Education? Start Here.
In many parts of Eastern Kentucky, care for infants and toddlers is especially limited. When families can’t find care, parents leave the workforce and local employers struggle to hire and retain staff.
When we invest in early childhood education, we can build stronger communities and stronger economies.
High-quality early learning helps children thrive, gives families the ability to work, and supports local economies. And new childcare programs create jobs, support entrepreneurs, and help more people participate in the economy.
That’s what Shaping Our Appalachian Region believes and why it’s hosting this one-hour informational session about how to start a childcare program.
Through its Eastern Kentucky Runway Program Social Enterprise Accelerator, residents of Eastern Kentucky can access free coaching and business support to launch a childcare center. And our partners Appalachian Early Childhood Network and Child Care Aware of Kentucky bring critical knowledge and technical assistance about licensing, quality improvement, and long-term sustainability.
We’re here to equip our talented residents to solve a long-standing community problem: Safe, affordable childcare for future generations of Eastern Kentucky.
Sign up for the Start a Child Care Program at Home or in a Center on August 12 at 6 p.m.!