Governor Beshear launches “Pre-K for All” initiative

HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) – Governor Andy Beshear and other officials launched the “Pre-K for All” initiative in Louisville.

“We must provide pre-K to every Kentucky child to ensure that they are prepared for Kindergarten and that they don’t feel behind from day one,” First Lady Britainy Beshear said. “When our kids start school feeling excited and ready to learn, they have the confidence to speak up in class, challenge themselves, ask questions and connect with their peers. That strong beginning has a long-term impact, and it will help them succeed and build the life they dream of.”

Gov. Beshear noted that according to KY Stats, more than half of Kentucky’s children – 53.8% – are unprepared when they show up for their first day of kindergarten. Gov. Beshear said that in addition to increasing educational opportunities for the state’s youngest learners, Pre-K for All will also help put money back in the pockets of parents and caregivers and grow the commonwealth’s workforce.

Gov. Beshear said, “Before they even step through the door, they are behind. This creates an achievement gap that is nearly impossible to close. To increase kindergarten-readiness, we need to offer pre-K for every four-year-old across the state of Kentucky. American families are struggling to pay the bills, and one of the key drivers is a lack of child care. Pre-K for All can ease the financial burden facing our hard-working families and make paying the bills a little easier.”

Officials say a long-term study from Yale found that providing pre-K increased the earnings of parents and caregivers by nearly $9,000 annually, a trend that held for at least six years. This amounts to $54,000 for Kentucky families as their kids grow. Officials add this is also good for Kentucky’s business and economy. According to estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau, over time, Pre-K for All is projected to grow Kentucky’s workforce by up to 70,000 people. In addition, a study from Yale shows that every $1 invested in pre-K generates $10 that cycles through the state economy.

As part of the initiative, Gov. Beshear issued an executive order creating the Team Kentucky Pre-K for All Advisory Committee, comprising 28 leaders from across the commonwealth.