​Pre-K for All is an initiative that seeks to make high-quality pre-K accessible to all Kentucky 4-year-olds. High-quality pre-K combines a nurturing environment with effective learning.​

The purpose of the Advisory Committee is to study existing models of successful state-funded voluntary pre-kindergarten programs, receive feedback from subject matter experts and the public, and make recommendations on best practices to effectively implement such a program in Kentucky. You can learn more about the Committee here​​. ​

There are an estimated 55,000 4-year-old children currently in Kentucky. ​​

​​For the 2023-2024 school year, 14,851 4-year-olds attended public pre-K in Kentucky, which is approximately 27% of the state's 4-year-old population.​​

The Pre-K for All Program is an initiative dedicated to providing all 4-year-olds in Kentucky access to pre-kindergarten.​​

​The Advisory Committee will closely examine and identify current sources of funding that is used for providing early childhood education and pre-K in Kentucky. The Committee will also review and study how funding is accomplished in other states for similar initiatives. The Committee seeks to evaluate a range of effective, responsible, and innovative funding strategies and issue findings and recommendations in their report.​​

In 2023, less than 50% of Kentucky children were ready for kindergarten.​​

From January 2024-September 2024, over 70,000 Kentucky adults were unable to work due to caring for at least one child not enrolled in school or child care. Implementing Pre-K for All would allow our folks to take advantage of new job opportunities happening right here in Kentucky. 

​Yes. A long-term study shows that full day pre-K enrollment raised parents' earnings by 21.7%, or $8,799.87 per year.​​

Yes, by nearly $7,000 per year.​​

​​Yes. Long-term studies indicate that pre-K programs increase participants' labor income, reduce interactions with the criminal justice system, and promote behaviors that improve long-term health. Other studies indicate that participation is linked to higher post-secondary education enrollment rates.​​

A child care desert is defined as more than 3 children per available slot in a community. In other words, the term 'child care desert' is used to describe communities where there aren't enough child care options to meet the needs of local families or caregivers. 

79 out of Kentucky's 120 counties (over 65%) are considered child care deserts. To learn more about child care in your community, please visit our Resources​.

When it comes to child care needs, demand is greater than supply. By increasing availability to pre-K across the commonwealth, Pre-K for All would help Kentucky families and caregivers with 4-year-olds access the child care that they need. ​​

​Please visit our Get Involved​ page to attend a Town Hall event near you! ​​​​

​Head Start is federally funded through the award of federal grants, and Head Start providers are required to comply with federal Head Start regulations and eligibility requirements. ​​

​Yes. At least fifteen (15) states offer or are in the process of implementing pre-K programs available to all 4-year-olds regardless of income. ​​

The Advisory Committee will study best practices from other states and consider input from subject matter experts and the public relating to high-quality pre-K, including educational standards for programming and educational requirements for teachers providing pre-K. The Committee's report will contain findings and recommendations regarding critical components of high-quality pre-K. ​​

​​No. ​

​​​​The Advisory Committee will study best practices and feasibility for daily hours of operation during the school year. The Committee may consider the possibility of a year-round program and will study other states for best practices. ​​

​The Advisory Committee will issue a report that will contain key considerations for pre-K, including potential solutions for addressing transportation concerns. Currently, local school districts may (but are not required to) provide transportation for pre-K. ​​

​No. Per Kentucky law, only children between ages 6 and 18 must enroll in and attend school (KRS 158.030).​​

​The Pre-K for All Advisory Committee will study the potential and practicality of mixed delivery models, including home-based care options. The Committee will make findings and recommendations and issue a report outlining key considerations for maximizing pre-K access.​​