The dwindling supply of child-care workers isn’t getting any better and continues to impact Kentucky, and advocates say helping more people receive a Child Development associate degree could fill in the critical gaps in childcare and early learning — especially in rural regions.

Meanwhile, Kentucky child-care providers say the state’s industry is on the verge of collapse when federal pandemic funds expire this fall.

In a recent letter, hundreds of providers across the state have asked lawmakers to pass a supplemental funding bill to help centers stay afloat.