The “Monthly Media Roundup” is a curated list of news stories we’ve put together for the Kentucky out-of-school time (OST) community that have appeared in national and local media outlets over the past month.
National News Stories
Demand for After-School, Summer Learning Programs Soars Across KY (Public News Service)
A new survey finds 8 in 10 Kentucky parents say afterschool programs could help their child combat social and mental-health struggles by reducing unproductive screen time. Experts say demand for these types of programs has increased in the Commonwealth. Executive Director of the Afterschool Alliance Jodi Grant said after-school programs often are understaffed partnerships between schools and community-based organizations. She said local districts currently can’t keep up with demand. “In Kentucky,” said Grant, “for every child that’s in a program, the parents of four more want their kids to be in a program – and these parents and these kids are choosing to be there.”
Local News Stories
Summer-learning program demand rises; counselors on hand for social-emotional learning (WKRC, Local 12 – Covington, KY)
Schools are out and some kids will soon start attending summer-learning programs. After the pandemic, the demand grew even more as parents hope they can help combat mental health issues. A Kentucky organization is trying to add and improve programs.
Climbing child care costs put strain on parents (FOX 56 – Lexington, KY)
Since the beginning of the pandemic in early 2020, the cost of child care has been on the rise. Parents are seeing an average annual cost increase of 41% for center-based child care providers, spending an average of just over $14,000 per year, according to data from a recent LendingTree report released earlier this year. Cindy Lehnhoff, director of the National Child Care Association, discussed the skyrocketing cost of child care during an appearance on NewsNation “Prime.”
JCPS expecting thousands of Louisville students to participate in summer learning programs (WDRB.com – Louisville, KY)
School is out for the summer, but about 10,000 students will take part in summer learning this year. Jefferson County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Marty Pollio said the district has been expanding its summer learning programs since it started in 2019 with about 1,000 students. The district offers several extended learning programs for kids age 3-18. The program is funded through at least 2024.