State Watch

Beshear launches universal pre-K pilot program amid 2028 talk

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by Sophie Brams - 05/08/26 7:21 PM ET

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by Sophie Brams - 05/08/26 7:21 PM ET

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Universal prekindergarten will soon be available to families in two Kentucky counties under a pilot program launched by Gov. Andy Beshear (D) this week.

Beshear signed an executive order on Thursday directing the secretary of the Education and Labor Cabinet to work with local school districts to provide full-day, universal pre-K for all 4-year-olds.

The program will be phased in, with Rockcastle and Robertson counties implementing the curriculum for the 2026-27 school year, according to the governor’s office. Robertson County is the smallest public school district in the state, serving approximately 400 students from kindergarten through 12th grade.

“Kentucky’s economic success starts with the education and care of our children, which is why I am so proud today that we’re expanding access for 700 kids and their families across our commonwealth,” Beshear said in a statement. “In just one day, we created more childcare capacity than the legislature did this entire session – and this is progress we intend to build on, because we know our families and businesses need it.”

The announcement follows a June executive order that established an advisory committee to explore existing state-funded universal pre-K models in other states and make policy recommendations about how to implement a voluntary program in Kentucky.

The committee presented its findings months later, suggesting that the state phase in expansions of its preschool program over several years, according to the governor.

“In short, this Administration did all of the legislature’s homework for it, and all the General Assembly had to do was pass a bill,” Beshear wrote in his May 7 executive order.

Beshear reportedly struggled to gain support from the Republican-controlled legislature for his plan, and the $40 million he requested to expand preschool access was ultimately not included in the budget.

The Cincinnati Enquirer reported that the new pilot program will instead be funded by redirecting appropriated economic development dollars from underperforming workforce programs, an idea that drew quick skepticism from GOP state lawmakers.

“When taxpayer dollars are repurposed, Kentuckians are owed a clear accounting of where those dollars are coming from, what tradeoffs may follow and how those decisions are being made,” state Senate President Robert Stiver (R) said in a statement to multiple outlets. “That level of transparency is essential to maintaining public trust.”

Beshear’s administration also announced that the Kentucky Early Learning Center will open its doors in Frankfort in September, providing a discounted childcare option for executive branch employees.

The Kentucky governor has been actively elevating his national profile in recent months, taking his message on the road in what some view as a potential precursor to a 2028 presidential run. Cost-of-living issues, which are expected to play a defining role in the coming election cycles, have been a focus of Beshear’s town halls and speaking engagements.

Beshear told MS NOW in an interview this week that he is “comfortable” with being named a potential Democratic contender but would not make a final decision until his term as chair of the Democratic Governors Association ends.

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