Governor Andy Beshear announced the expansion of Kentucky's Pre-K Pilot Program to Dawson Springs, bringing the total number of participating school districts to five and increasing childcare access for nearly 3,000 children statewide.
This expansion includes Dawson Springs Independent School District, which joins Franklin County, Glasgow Independent, Robertson, and Rockcastle counties in offering full-day pre-K. The program aims to serve over 160 children in Dawson Springs over the next two years, preparing them for kindergarten.
Governor Beshear highlighted the significance for Dawson Springs, stating, "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." He emphasized that "Pre-K is a win for our kids, our families, our businesses and our local communities."
Lenny Whalen, Superintendent of Dawson Springs Independent School District, echoed this sentiment, saying, "Early education has immediate and lasting effects, and we want Kentucky’s kids to start life with a head start – not a lap behind." These pilot programs are a foundational step towards providing every Kentucky child with access to pre-K, with curricula set to begin for the 2026-2027 school year.