Pre-K Pilot Programs are now in five counties across the commonwealth
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Aug. 6, 2026) – Today during his Team Kentucky Update, Gov. Andy Beshear announced the expansion of the Pre-K Pilot Program to Dawson Springs, bringing the total school districts served through the program to five. Since May, the Governor and his administration have increased childcare access for nearly 3,000 additional children across the commonwealth through three major announcements.
“Dawson Springs has been through so much heartbreak from the 2021 tornadoes, but they are building back with strength, and this news will add to that progress,” said Gov. Beshear. “Pre-K is a win for our kids, our families, our businesses and our local communities and our pilot program is going to serve over 160 children over the next two years. That’s 160 children who will become kindergarten ready, and 160 families who will have the security and options that come with reliable childcare.”
After receiving approval from the local school board on Tuesday, Dawson Springs Independent School District will now join Franklin County Schools, Glasgow Independent Schools and Robertson and Rockcastle counties in the Pre-K Pilot Program. These full-day pilots serve as a first step in a phased, responsible path toward every Kentucky child having access to pre-K, with curricula beginning for the 2026-2027 school year.
Lenny Whalen, superintendent of the Dawson Springs Independent School District, joined the Governor for the announcement.
“I have been in education my entire career and know it firsthand: Early education has immediate and lasting effects, and we want Kentucky’s kids to start life with a head start – not a lap behind,” Whalen said. “That’s why it’s so important we launch this pilot in Dawson Springs and across the commonwealth. I want to thank Gov. Beshear for his leadership on this program and for putting public education first. This will be a win, win, win for parents, kids and school districts.”
In May, Gov. Beshear signed an executive order launching the Team Kentucky Pre-K Pilot Program in the first two counties. The Governor also announced the September opening of the Team Kentucky Early Learning Center, set to serve executive branch state employees.
Leading up to the 2026-2027 budget session, Pre-K for All received widespread support from local, business and education leaders, as well as parents and families from across Kentucky. Support letters were sent directly to the General Assembly, including:
- A letter from more than 150 business owners from across the commonwealth;
- A letter from 93 school superintendents representing over half of Kentucky’s school districts;
- A letter from 46 local and regional chambers of commerce and their presidents;
- A letter from the Kentucky Association of School Administrators (KASA), which represents 3,300 education leaders across the state; and
- Three letters from 63 county judge/executives, 34 mayors and the Kentucky Association of School Superintendents (KASS).
Since the initiative was launched in May 2025, over 66,000 Kentuckians wrote to their state legislators asking them to support expanding access to preschool. Following numerous town halls held by Team Kentucky across the state, nearly 90% of participants voiced their support for more funding for Pre-K for All.
To learn more, visit PreK4All.ky.gov.
###