Kentucky’s top leaders hit the road to rally support for Pre-K for All this week — a bold new initiative that could reshape education, strengthen the workforce, and boost the economy.
Governor Andy Beshear and senior advisor Rocky Adkins visited Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, while Lt. Governor Jacqueline Coleman traveled to Paducah. And their message was clear: universal pre-K isn’t a partisan issue—it’s a shared investment in Kentucky’s future.
Joined by educators, business leaders, and parents, officials stressed how early education can lift families, close opportunity gaps, and create lasting economic growth. Here’s what Pre-K for All promises to deliver:
Top Benefits of Kentucky’s Pre-K for All Initiative
- Kindergarten Readiness:
Over half of Kentucky’s kids (53.8%) start kindergarten unprepared. High-quality pre-K gives children the academic and social foundations they need to succeed from day one. - Solving Child-Care Deserts:
79 of Kentucky’s 120 counties lack enough child-care options. Universal pre-K will expand access, especially in underserved areas like Eastern Kentucky. - Bigger Paychecks for Parents:
A long-term Yale study found that pre-K access can boost parent earnings by nearly $9,000 a year—totaling around $54,000 over time. - Lower Child-Care Costs:
Universal pre-K will relieve financial strain for working families, putting money back in their pockets and reducing the cost of care. - Stronger Workforce:
Pre-K for All is projected to add 40,000 to 70,000 Kentuckians to the labor force by helping parents return to work. - Big Returns on Investment:
Every $1 invested in pre-K generates $10 in economic return, according to Yale research. It’s not just good policy—it’s smart economics.
Broad Support Across Sectors
From university deans to local judges, and from chambers of commerce to chefs, leaders across the commonwealth agree: pre-K is essential.
They say it builds future leaders, supports mothers reentering the workforce, narrows achievement gaps, and gives every Kentucky child a fair shot—regardless of ZIP code.
Next Steps
Gov. Beshear has signed an executive order establishing the Team Kentucky Pre-K for All Advisory Committee, bringing together 28 leaders from across the state to guide the initiative’s rollout.
With historic job growth already under his administration, Beshear says Pre-K for All is the next essential step.
“Other states have made this work—so can we,” said the Governor. “This is how we build a better Kentucky.”
As the tour continues across the state, momentum is growing. Pre-K for All isn’t just about early education—it’s about building stronger families, communities, and a future-ready workforce.
