Early Childhood Education and Care Improves the Health and Wellbeing of Kentuckians 

The Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness’ Center for Health Equity (CHE) has released a Health Impact Assessment (HIA) to review the impacts of potential changes to Kentucky’s Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP). CCAP supports Kentucky’s low-income families with financial support for early childhood education and care (ECEC). While the report highlights HB 106, it also provides recommendations on additional measures that would further strengthen ECEC in Kentucky. 

A Health Impact Assessment is a process that brings together scientific data, health expertise and public input to identify potential health effects of proposed laws and regulations, programs, and projects. Decision-makers can use this information to support policies that improve and protect health for all. 

 “Early childhood education and care (ECEC) serves as a foundation to the wellbeing of children and families across Kentucky. The education and support they receive during critical windows of development influence lifetime health outcomes,” said Dr, Moyer. “ECEC affects cognitive development, emotional and behavioral health, impulse control, and the skill of working with others.” 

The child care industry is critical not only for the health and wellbeing of children, but also for the parents and providers who benefit from employment-related health outcomes. Parents that can access child care are able to work to support the nutritional, housing, and health needs of their families. In turn, child care providers can support themselves and their own families with the same needs. 

A detailed copy of the Health Impact Assessment on Kentucky’s CCAP policy can be found at www.HIA-Lou.com.