Study of Certified & Licensed Childcare Programs

The Auditor of Public Accounts is seeking a qualified contractor to conduct a comprehensive study on the impact of laws, policies, and processes on the opening and operation of certified and licensed childcare programs in Kentucky. The study will include an evaluation of existing statutes, regulations, and agency policies, as well as a comparison to peer states and national guidelines. The contractor will also conduct surveys and focus groups with stakeholders, including childcare providers, parents, and local government officials. The goal of the study is to identify barriers to childcare services and provide recommendations for reform, streamlining, and modernization of existing laws and regulations. The contractor will be required to submit a draft report by September 1, 2027, and a final report by December 1, 2027. • Key aspects of the study include: • Evaluation of existing Kentucky statutes, administrative regulations, and agency policies and processes governing the licensing and certification of childcare programs • Comparison of Kentucky's statutes, administrative regulations, and agency policies and processes to those in peer states and national guidelines • Surveys and focus groups with stakeholders, including childcare providers, parents, and local government officials • Analysis of local regulatory barriers to childcare services and recommendations for best practices for local governments • Identification of instances where existing statutes, administrative regulations, and agency policies and processes are duplicative, confusing, excessive, or ineffective