KRS 199.8941: Monetary incentives for child-care facilities -- Professional development.

(1) To the extent that funds are available, the Cabinet for Health and Family Services,

in consultation with the Early Childhood Advisory Council, shall, by administrat ive

regulation promulgated in accordance with KRS Chapter 13A, establish a program

of monetary incentives including but not limited to an increased child -care subsidy

and a one-time merit achievement award for child -care centers and certified family

child-care homes that are tied to a quality rating system for child care as established

under KRS 199.8943.

(2) The monetary incentive program shall be reviewed annually by the cabinet, in

consultation with the council, for the purpose of determining future oppo rtunities to

provide incentives.

(3) Participation in the program of monetary incentives and in the quality rating system

by public -funded child -care centers and certified family child -care homes is

mandatory.

(4) The Cabinet for Health and Family Services shall encourage the professional

development of persons who are employed or provide training in a child -care or

early childhood setting by facilitating their participation in the scholarship program

for obtaining a child development associate credential, postsecondary certificate,

diploma, degree, or specialty credential as established under KRS 164.518.