Research

Child Care Aware of Kentucky, housed at the Human Development Institute at the University of Kentucky, engages in research and evaluation projects to provide data to guide policy and practice in early care and education settings.  This research is used by the Division of Child Care (DCC) and other early childhood stakeholders to inform policy and practice.  A Market Rate Study provides detailed analysis of market rates across Kentucky by provider type, age of child, and region.  A Cost Analysis Study examines the cost to providers of caring for children in a quality environment.  A Workforce Study investigates issues that pertain to the early care and education workforce including issues such as wages and benefits, professional development, and retention.   

Diverse children playing on the floor of a child care center with three adults with various toys

Kentucky Early Care and Education Reports

Cost of Care in Kentucky Part 2 Cost Model 2024

2024 Market Rate Study

2023 Narrow Cost Analysis (Addendum)

2020 Market Rate Report

2020 Workforce Report

2019 Workforce Study Summary

2019 KY Workforce Report

2019 Cost of Care

2019 Median Annual Salary of FCC Providers by Region

2019 Median Annual Salary of FCC Providers by Area

2019 Median Annual Salary of Teachers by Region

2019 Median Annual Salary of Teachers by Area

2019 Wages and Health Care Benefits

2019 Median Annual Salary of Child Care Directors by Region

2019 Median Annual Salary of Child Care Directors by Area

2018 Cost Addendum Report

2017 Market Rate Study

2015 Market Rate Study

2014 Workforce Study Executive Summary

2014 Workforce Study

2014 Workforce Study Infographic (longer)

2014 Workforce Study Infographic (smaller)

2013 Market Rate Study Executive Summary

2013 Market Rate Study

2013 Workforce Study – Certified Homes

2013 Workforce Study – Directors

2013 Workforce Study – Teachers

2011 Market Rate Study

2009 Market Rate Study

2007 Market Rate Study

2005 Workforce Study