A consistent problem for the past few years in the United States has been issues with childcare. During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a shortage of workers at childcare centers, and many parents struggled to afford childcare as they faced decreases in income. During the pandemic, the federal government allocated a portion of the pandemic relief fund towards childcare. Most of these funds have been used up, and certain states are implementing new programs to deal with this issue. In Kentucky, free childcare is provided for all childcare workers. This program provides an incentive to individuals looking to work to apply for childcare jobs, and this could fill the childcare worker shortages. The free childcare provided also alleviates the cost for childcare employees.
See "A new childcare policy in Kentucky will provide free childcare to childcare employees", Andrea Hsu, NPR, October 18, 2023