"Right now, more than half of Kentucky's children arrive in kindergarten not ready," Behsear said.
According to Beshear, since he announced the Pre-K for All initiative in June, 60,000 Kentuckians have written to state legislators, asking them to support expanding preschool access.
"We've heard from thousands of Kentuckians, including parents, educators, business owners, child care providers, legislators, and local officials, both Republican and Democrat," said Besehar. "Because Pre-K for All should be a non-partisan issue."
And the Kentucky Association of School Superintendents has officially endorsed Team Kentucky’s Pre-K for All initiative.
"A child's brain development is 90% completed by age five," said Scott County Schools Superintendent Billy Parker. "When we miss out on giving children exposure to phonics, math skills, and social skills during this critical window, we miss a major opportunity in a child's development."
Universal pre-K programs have met resistance in years past from the Republican-controlled legislature. Several lawmakers acknowledged the benefits of investing in early childhood education, but raised concerns about funding, existing infrastructure, and the prioritization of programs.