Following five town halls and dozens of outreach events throughout the state, the Pre-K for All Advisory Committee delivered its findings and recommendations to the governor, reinforcing his case for universal pre-K access.
Kentucky delivers early care in education through a patchwork approach of programs with inconsistent eligibility rules, funding sources, affordability, and access.Dr. Felicia Cumings Smith, Pritchard Committee for Academic Excellence
Despite the introduction of pre-K in the state in 1990 and two expansions — under a Republican governor and a Democratic governor — the committee found only 27% of Kentucky children have access.
Dr. Felicia Cumings Smith, Prichard Committee for Academic Excellence board chair, outlined the committee's five findings, saying the state's system is fragmented.
"Kentucky delivers early care in education through a patchwork approach of programs with inconsistent eligibility rules, funding sources, affordability, and access, creating gaps that affect families all across the state," she said.
Dr. Carrie Ballinger, superintendent of Rockcastle County Schools, said the committee recommends expanding the state's existing voluntary program over several years, including a focus on local flexibility.
"No two school districts or communities are the same. Pre-school expansion should be responsive to local community needs," she said. "School districts should have the flexibility to expand when they are ready."
The committee also suggested the state provide services through mixed and integrated school partnerships with Head Start, private child care, and other providers — all while emphasizing quality.
Republicans have been cool toward the idea, with House Speaker David Osborne saying what parents wants is round-the-year quality childcare, not a universal pre-K model.