TOPEKA — State officials say planned changes to requirements for child care assistance could benefit 3,000 Kansas children.

The Kansas Department for Children and Families said Thursday the minimum number of hours parents have to work each week to be eligible for child care assistance will be reduced from 28 to 20 hours, starting Monday.

The Topeka Capital-Journal reports eligibility requirements also will be expanded to include participants in the GOALS employment and training program, which helps parents who participate in the state’s food assistance program.

The agency also intends to begin using Child Care Development Funds to provide day care for children in foster care.

Gov. Laura Kelly said the changes will help parents keep jobs while receiving help with the high cost of child care and meaningful training.