FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
Contact: media@uwgc.org

NEWPORT, KY. (Aug. 16, 2023) – A new survey finds Kentuckians overwhelmingly support increased investments to improve access to high-quality child care programs. The survey, funded by United Way of Greater Cincinnati (UWGC) and conducted by the Prichard Committee, shows that voters and parents agree: Access to high-quality child care is essential for parents to be able to work.

More than half of parents with young children reported facing difficulties finding adequate child care, leading to life-altering changes in job status for more than a third of parents.

“We are starting to see residual fallout from the pandemic — families facing steeper economic barriers and children falling behind in kindergarten readiness,” said Moira Weir, President and CEO of UWGC. “We know when families are stable, our communities are stronger, which is why we are collaborating with our key partners and advocating for Kentucky families.”

UWGC recently worked with policymakers in Indiana and Ohio to improve access to quality child care. In Ohio, we helped secure $154 million in new investment for child care and preschool. In Indiana, our team helped increase eligibility for the On My Way Pre-K program. UWGC joins advocates in the Commonwealth who are working to secure increased public funding for expanded child care and Pre-K access and affordability.

“Voters are clearly indicating the time is now for policymakers, business and community leaders to design the infrastructure necessary to get little learners off to a strong start while supporting their parents to meaningfully attach to the workforce,” says Brigitte Blom, President and CEO of the Prichard Committee.

View the poll results at uwgc.org/childcarepoll.

With its dedicated donors, staff and partners, United Way of Greater Cincinnati brings new voices and solutions to decades-old challenges so more families in our community thrive.

As the community catalyst, UWGC drives change through investments, influence and filling gaps in services to create lasting change for families today and for future generations.

UWGC does this by focusing on six investment portfolios: Housing First, NextGen Success, Equitable Economic Mobility, Improved Prevention/Stronger Communities, Ready Kids/Resilient Families and Responding to Community Needs.

Learn more about UWGC’s work underway in nine counties in Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana and how you can be part of our collective community impact at UWGC.org. #LiveUnited

The Prichard Committee believes that education is the path to a larger life for all Kentuckians. The team works to help citizens become informed and engaged advocates for excellence in the state’s educational endeavors.