Leaders in business, education join Governor’s call for Pre-K for All of Kentucky’s 4-year-olds

LOUISVILLE, KY - On June 4, 2025, Gov. Andy Beshear and First Lady Britainy Beshear joined Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman, local officials, educators, business leaders and parents at MMY US, a modular housing manufacturer, in Louisville to launch the “Pre-K for All” initiative, which aims to advance the commonwealth’s public education system and job growth.

“We are here, not as Democrats or Republicans, not as part of the right or the left,” Gov. Beshear said. “Instead, we are here as parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, educators and business leaders. We are here because we want the best for our Kentucky kids, the best for our Kentucky parents and caregivers, and we want to build and maintain the best workforce in America.”

“We must provide pre-K to every Kentucky child to ensure that they are prepared for Kindergarten and that they don't feel behind from day one,” the First Lady said. “When our kids start school feeling excited and ready to learn, they have the confidence to speak up in class, challenge themselves, ask questions and connect with their peers. That strong beginning has a long-term impact, and it will help them succeed and build the life they dream of.”

The Governor noted that according to KY Stats, more than half of Kentucky’s children – 53.8% – are unprepared when they show up for their first day of kindergarten.

“Before they even step through the door, they are behind. This creates an achievement gap that is nearly impossible to close,” Gov. Beshear said. “To increase kindergarten-readiness, we need to offer pre-K for every 4-year-old across the state of Kentucky.”

The Governor said that in addition to increasing educational opportunities for the state’s youngest learners, Pre-K for All will also help put money back in the pockets of parents and caregivers and grow the commonwealth’s workforce.

“American families are struggling to pay the bills, and one of the key drivers is a lack of child care,” Gov. Beshear said. “Pre-K for All can ease the financial burden facing our hard-working families and make paying the bills a little easier.”

The Governor noted that according to the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, 79 of Kentucky’s 120 counties – nearly two-thirds – don’t have access to enough child care to serve every family who needs it, with the majority of those located in Eastern Kentucky.

“Kentucky will never reach its potential if our children’s zip code determines their place in the world by the first day of kindergarten,” Lt. Gov. Coleman said. “The time for pre-K is now.”

“Louisville is proud to be the first Kentucky city to support Pre-K for All with the launch of our new Thrive by Five initiative,” said Mayor Craig Greenberg. “I appreciate Gov. Beshear’s work to provide access to high quality early learning for children in Louisville and across the commonwealth and I look forward to more exciting announcements in the future.”

A long-term study from Yale found that providing pre-K increased the earnings of parents and caregivers by nearly $9,000 annually, a trend that held for at least six years. This amounts to $54,000 for Kentucky families as their kids grow.

“The research is clear – when investments are made in early learning, the impact on a child’s educational trajectory can bring about transformative outcomes for themselves and future generations. This investment can pay dividends in supporting the state’s economic growth, vitality and well-being so that children, families and Kentucky communities thrive,” said Felicia Cumings-Smith, chair of the Prichard Committee on Academic Excellence.

And what’s good for kids and families is also good for Kentucky’s business and economy. According to estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau, over time, Pre-K for All is projected to grow Kentucky’s workforce by up to 70,000 people. In addition, a study from Yale shows that every $1 invested in pre-K generates $10 that cycles through the state economy.

“MMY US is excited to share that the next phase of our investment is already underway – the transformation of the long-derelict ice house in the ground of this facility into a child care, pre-K center before the end of 2025 – a space designed to uplift and serve providing what we in the UK call the “Mum and Dad shift” – a short evening shift designed specifically for parents who might otherwise be excluded from the workforce,” said Chair of the Board and Partner at MMY Spencer Wylie. “Our goal is to provide not only those few valuable working hours, but also on-site child care and even a hot meal for the children – because we know that when families are supported, communities thrive. This initiative directly aligns with Gov. Beshear’s vision for early childhood access and family-forward economic policy, and we are proud to play our part in turning that vision into a reality.”

“Pre-K is the starting gate for Kentucky’s brightest future,” said local parent Rudy Spencer. “It helps children thrive in early learning and gives parents the confidence to support their child’s education from the very beginning.”

Gov. Beshear stressed that Pre-K for All is a nonpartisan issue, noting that 18 states – including Alabama, Colorado, Florida, Georgia and West Virginia – offer pre-K access for all 4-year-olds.

“They have gotten it done, and so can we,” the Governor said in outlining his plans.

As part of the initiative, Gov. Beshear issued an executive order creating the Team Kentucky Pre-K for All Advisory Committee, comprising 28 leaders from across the commonwealth.

Today’s announcement aims to build on Kentucky’s historic economic winning streak.

Under Gov. Beshear’s leadership, the state has broken its job-creation record, creating more than 60,000 good jobs. And while Kentucky has reached the highest point ever for the number of people employed, number of jobs filled and civilian labor force, the Governor said there is still important work to do.

“Pre-K for All is a step we must take to boost our economy, strengthen our workforce, better educate our kids and put more money in the pockets of hard-working Kentucky families,” Gov. Beshear added.

To support the plan, the Governor will make stops in Florence and Lexington later today, as well as Bowling Green on Friday. Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman and Rocky Adkins, senior advisor to Gov. Beshear, will also visit Russell, Hazard and Paducah this week. Next week, the Governor will travel to Owensboro.