Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, alongside officials, educators, and parents, has introduced the “Pre-K for All” initiative. This program aims to improve the state’s public education system and encourage job growth.
First Lady Britainy Beshear said, “We must provide pre-K to every Kentucky child. This will prepare them for kindergarten and help prevent them from feeling behind on their very first day.” She added, “When children start school excited and ready to learn, they gain the confidence to speak up, challenge themselves, ask questions, and make friends. A strong start like this has lasting effects. It helps them succeed and build the life they want.”
The governor pointed out that more than half of Kentucky’s children—53.8%—are not ready when they begin kindergarten, according to KY Stats.
“Many kids are behind before they even enter the classroom. This creates an achievement gap that is very hard to close,” Beshear explained. “To improve kindergarten readiness, we need to offer pre-K to every 4-year-old in Kentucky.”
Besides improving early education, Beshear said the Pre-K for All program will ease financial pressure on families and support workforce growth in the state.
“Many American families struggle to pay bills, partly because child care is hard to find,” said Gov. Beshear. “Pre-K for All will help reduce the financial burden on hardworking families, making it easier for them to manage their expenses.”
He also noted that 79 of Kentucky’s 120 counties lack enough child care slots to meet demand, based on data from the Cabinet for Health and Family Services. For example, Barren County is classified as a “category 2 childcare desert,” with about three children competing for each available child care spot. The Center for American Progress has also labeled Barren County a childcare desert.
Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman said, “Kentucky will never reach its potential if a child’s zip code determines their opportunities on their first day of kindergarten. The time for pre-K is now.”
A long-term study from Yale University found that access to pre-K increased parents’ and caregivers’ earnings by nearly $9,000 each year. This trend lasted for at least six years. Over time, this could add up to $54,000 for Kentucky families as their children grow.
Felicia Cumings-Smith, chair of the Prichard Committee on Academic Excellence, said, “Research shows that investing in early learning can change a child’s educational path and create lasting benefits for future generations. This investment supports Kentucky’s economic growth and helps children, families, and communities thrive.”
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Pre-K for All could increase Kentucky’s workforce by up to 70,000 people over time. Yale’s study also found that every $1 spent on pre-K generates $10 in economic activity throughout the state.
Beshear emphasized that Pre-K for All is a nonpartisan effort. He noted that 18 states, including Alabama, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, and West Virginia, already offer pre-K to all 4-year-olds.
“They have done it, and so can we,” Beshear said.
To support the initiative, Gov. Beshear signed an executive order to create the Team Kentucky Pre-K for All Advisory Committee. The group has 28 leaders from across the state, with Sam Flynn serving as executive director.
The Pre-K for All website announced several upcoming town halls. The nearest one will be held in Bowling Green on Wednesday, July 23, from 5:30 to 7 p.m.
