Governor Beshear announced Yesterday that Kentucky has been identified as one of the first states to receive federal approval from the Department of Defense to help connect military families with quality child care through the Military Child Care in Your Neighborhood – PLUS program.

The program:

• Provides child care fee assistance to eligible military families when on-base or installation care is unavailable;
• Expands child care options for military parents by providing more quality child care providers and reduces the cost of care; and
• Benefits child care providers by offering them the opportunity to increase their income and grow their businesses by including military families.

There are currently 145 licensed child care providers participating. Families taking part in the Military Child Care in Your Neighborhood-PLUS program will receive a $1,500 monthly stipend to help with child care expenses. The program is expected to encourage retention in the armed forces.