Partnering with Families to Support Voluntary Preschool for All
October 30, 2025
Preschool is more than a stepping stone to kindergarten. It represents a critical investment in Kentucky’s children, families, and communities. Decades of research confirms that high-quality early learning experiences yield lifelong academic, social, and economic benefits. For the Commonwealth, expanding access to preschool is more than an educational goal; it represents both a moral and an economic imperative.
Laying the Foundation for Lifelong Success
Children’s earliest years are marked by rapid brain development. According to the Harvard Center on the Developing Child, more than one million new neural connections form every second during the first few years of life. These connections shape how children learn, interact, and problem-solve throughout their lives. When children attend high-quality preschool programs, they build foundational skills (language, emotional regulation, curiosity, and cooperation) that are directly linked to later academic and career success (Harvard University, 2023).
For children from low-income families or those with disabilities, early access to structured learning opportunities can be transformative. A longitudinal study by the National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER) found that students who attended high-quality preschool were more likely to graduate from high school, pursue higher education, and earn higher wages as adults (NIEER, 2022). By investing in early education, Kentucky can narrow opportunity gaps before they widen.
Strengthening Families and Supporting the Workforce
Preschool access goes beyond education; it’s also essential to building a strong workforce. Families need reliable, affordable childcare to fully participate in the economy. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation estimates that Kentucky loses over $2 billion annually in economic activity due to childcare-related workforce disruptions (U.S. Chamber Foundation, 2023). When parents have confidence that their children are safe, supported, and learning, they can focus on their careers and contribute more productively to the workforce.
This connection between early education and workforce stability underscores the importance of viewing preschool as infrastructure, equally essential to roads, broadband, and utilities. Expanding preschool access strengthens Kentucky’s labor participation rates and builds a stronger foundation for future economic growth.
A Smart Investment with Lasting Returns
For every dollar invested in high-quality early childhood programs, society sees a return of up to $7 through improved educational outcomes, increased earnings, and reduced social costs, according to Nobel laureate economist James Heckman (Heckman, 2022). The long-term benefits ripple across generations: higher graduation rates, lower crime rates, better health outcomes, and stronger communities.
These outcomes make preschool a rare policy area that enjoys bipartisan support. Across Kentucky, leaders from every political perspective recognize the value of investing in children’s earliest years. When we put Kids First, we build stronger schools, stronger families, and a stronger Commonwealth.
Models of Collaboration Across Kentucky
Kentucky already has strong models demonstrating how collaboration can expand early learning opportunities. Across the state, public schools and private childcare providers have partnered to create blended preschool programs that reach more children while maintaining high quality standards. The Prichard Committee for Academic Excellence and the Kentucky Department of Education have led initiatives (such as community schools and literacy grants) that show how shared responsibility can produce meaningful results.
These partnerships serve as a blueprint for scaling success. By bringing together local districts, community organizations, parents/families, and private partners, Kentucky can ensure that every child, regardless of zip code or income, begins their educational journey with confidence.
Policy Leadership and the Path Forward
Superintendents play a critical role in advancing preschool access. As education leaders, they understand that early learning investment affects not only classroom readiness but also community vitality. KASS advocates for policy solutions that ensure stable funding, equitable access, and quality standards across all early learning programs.
Key policy actions include:
- Expanding state funding for preschool programs, particularly in underserved areas.
- Supporting mixed-delivery models that allow public schools and private providers to collaborate effectively.
- Improving educator pay and professional development to recruit and retain high-quality preschool teachers.
- Streamlining regulations to remove barriers that prevent families from accessing programs easily.
These actions align with KASS’s 2026 legislative priorities, which emphasize purposeful advocacy and proactive solutions to improve Kentucky’s public education system.
Economic and Community Impact
When preschool participation increases, communities thrive. Parents remain in the workforce, local businesses experience greater stability, and children enter kindergarten ready to learn. Studies from the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis show that communities investing in early learning see higher employment rates, stronger tax bases, and reduced dependency on social services (Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis, 2021).
For rural areas, where workforce participation and childcare availability often lag, these investments are particularly crucial. Kentucky’s rural communities, like those in Eastern and Western Kentucky, stand to gain the most from expanded preschool access, both socially and economically.
Voices from the Field
Superintendents across the Commonwealth echo a common theme: preschool investment is an investment in Kentucky’s future. They witness firsthand how early learning changes lives. As one superintendent recently shared, “When children arrive in kindergarten ready to learn, everything changes, from classroom engagement to long-term academic success. The impact is immediate and enduring.”
Local partnerships also reveal how preschool builds stronger family-school connections. Parents involved in early learning programs are more likely to stay engaged throughout their child’s education, fostering a culture of collaboration between home and school. That engagement creates a ripple effect: students thrive academically, and schools become more responsive to community needs.
Putting Kids First
At KASS, our guiding principle is simple: When we put Kids First, everyone wins. Preschool is not an expense to be debated; it’s a commitment to the future of Kentucky’s children and the prosperity of our Commonwealth.
By expanding access to high-quality preschool, we give every child the chance to reach their full potential, every family the opportunity to participate in the workforce, and every community the tools to grow stronger together.
Investing in preschool is more than smart policy; it’s a promise to our future.
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An overview of how legislative changes affect district capacity, staffing, costs, and implementation, and why operational realities matter for student-focused governance.
Kentucky’s public schools are entering a pivotal moment. As the General Assembly begins its work in the 2026 legislative session, decisions made in Frankfort will shape the future of teaching, learning, and opportunity across the Commonwealth. As superintendents responsible for educating more than 600,000 students across Kentucky, we believe this moment requires clarity, collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to putting Kids First. Public education thrives when policy reflects both statewide goals and local realities. This session, three legislative priorities rise above all others as essential to student success: a modern accountability system focused on continuous improvement, a sustainable educator workforce pipeline, and fully funded SEEK. These priorities are not theoretical. They directly impact classrooms, communities, and the future of Kentucky’s workforce. Accountability with Purpose Kentucky has an opportunity to lead with an accountability system that reflects what communities value most. Through the Kentucky United We Learn initiative, educators, families, and education leaders have come together to design a framework focused on continuous improvement, local voice, and shared responsibility. This collaborative work emphasizes growth, relevance, and trust rather than compliance alone. The United We Learn framework recognizes that meaningful accountability must balance statewide expectations with locally identified measures of success, allowing communities to define what success looks like while remaining aligned to statewide goals. When communities see themselves reflected in accountability, engagement increases and outcomes improve. KASS continues to support implementation efforts that ensure accountability remains transparent, student-centered, and responsive to community needs. Learn more about the framework through the Kentucky Department of Education’s United We Learn initiative. Building and Sustaining the Educator Workforce Educators are the foundation of Kentucky’s public schools. Teachers, principals, and superintendents shape learning environments where students are supported academically and socially. Yet recruitment and retention challenges threaten the stability of this foundation. Building a strong workforce pipeline requires a long-term approach. Competitive compensation, flexible certification pathways, job-embedded professional learning, and meaningful induction supports all play a role, along with the flexibility for local districts to recruit, support, and retain educators in ways that reflect their unique community contexts. KASS supports continued work with the Education Professional Standards Board to broaden pathways into the profession and ensure talented educators can meet student needs in diverse settings. When we invest in people, we invest directly in students. Strengthening the educator pipeline is not simply a workforce issue. It is one of the most direct student success strategies available to policymakers. Sustaining and Strengthening SEEK Funding Equitable funding remains central to educational opportunity. The Support Education Excellence in Kentucky (SEEK) formula is the Commonwealth’s primary tool for ensuring students have access to comparable educational opportunities regardless of zip code. Over time, inflation has eroded SEEK’s purchasing power, placing additional strain on local districts. Restoring SEEK to its inflation-adjusted 2008 level, fully funding add-ons, and providing long-term predictability are essential steps toward fiscal stability and toward meeting the Commonwealth’s long-term responsibility to provide an efficient system of public education. Adequate funding allows districts to plan responsibly, support staff, and meet the academic and social-emotional needs of students. Additional information on SEEK and Kentucky’s education funding system is available through the Legislative Research Commission. Progress Through Unified Advocacy Kentucky’s education leaders have seen firsthand the impact of unified advocacy. In recent years, collective KASS efforts have helped secure investments in full-day kindergarten, student transportation, and school safety. These wins demonstrate what is possible when education leaders speak clearly, consistently, and together, and when superintendents engage early, often, and constructively with policymakers. While progress has been made, continued advocacy remains essential. Each legislative session presents new challenges and opportunities, and sustained engagement ensures student needs remain at the center of policy decisions. A Moment That Matters This legislative session represents a defining moment for public education in Kentucky. Lawmakers must hear directly from education leaders about what students need to succeed. Public schools remain the Commonwealth’s greatest engine of opportunity, and bold, sustained investment is critical to their success. The path forward is clear. Together, we must lead with urgency, advocate with unity, and act with purpose. KASS will continue to engage lawmakers, partner agencies, and superintendents throughout the session to advance these priorities with clarity and consistency. Kentucky’s superintendents stand ready to work with policymakers to ensure every decision keeps students at the center and strengthens the future of public education.
Public education thrives when communities, educators, and policymakers work together with a shared purpose. In Butler County Schools, that collaboration is translating into meaningful opportunities for students, thoughtful stewardship of resources, and learning experiences that extend far beyond classroom walls. Serving more than 2,100 students across five schools, Butler County Schools is guided by a clear vision: one team with one vision that makes us Butler Strong. Central to that vision is the district’s Portrait of a Learner framework, which emphasizes character, problem solving, communication, collaboration, and global citizenship. These durable skills are woven into every initiative, ensuring students are prepared not only for graduation, but for lifelong success. Expanding Career Pathways Through Real-World Learning Career and technical education plays a vital role in preparing students for the workforce and postsecondary opportunities. In Butler County, legislative support for CTE has strengthened programs at the Area Technology Center, allowing students to engage in authentic, hands-on experiences that mirror real-world expectations. One powerful example is the partnership with Northern Kentucky University, where students participated in an advanced cadaver experience as part of their healthcare pathway. This opportunity challenged students to think critically, apply classroom knowledge, and engage ethically with complex medical concepts. Experiences like this help students clarify career interests while building confidence and professionalism. Research consistently shows that students who participate in high-quality CTE programs are more likely to graduate and pursue meaningful careers. By investing in these pathways, Kentucky is helping districts like Butler County prepare a skilled, adaptable workforce that meets regional and statewide needs. Literacy, Service, and the Power of Connection Academic success is deeply connected to literacy, and Butler County Schools is embracing innovative approaches to nurture both reading skills and student leadership. Supported by literacy-focused legislation, district initiatives encourage students to see learning as something that happens everywhere, not just during the school day. At Morgantown Elementary School, the Books and Braids program brings this philosophy to life. High school students volunteer their time to mentor younger readers, combining literacy practice with relationship building and confidence. These early-morning sessions foster a love of reading while modeling empathy, responsibility, and service. Programs like this highlight the broader impact of literacy investments. When students are engaged as leaders and mentors, learning becomes relational and meaningful, strengthening school culture and community ties. Stewardship That Supports Classrooms Effective use of resources is another cornerstone of student success. Through an innovative energy partnership with Trane Technologies, Butler County Schools has demonstrated how problem solving and collaboration can yield significant results. The district’s efforts have generated more than $96,000 in annual savings while improving ENERGY STAR scores across school facilities. These savings are not just numbers on a spreadsheet. They represent dollars that can be redirected to classrooms, instructional resources, and student supports. They also model responsible stewardship for students, showing how thoughtful decision-making can have lasting benefits. Facility efficiency is increasingly important as districts balance rising costs with the need to maintain safe, healthy learning environments. Butler County’s approach illustrates how legislative support for facility improvements can empower districts to be both fiscally responsible and student focused. Collaboration as a Catalyst for Growth None of these successes happen in isolation. Butler County Schools benefits from strong partnerships with higher education institutions, community organizations, and local leaders who share a commitment to student success. These relationships expand learning opportunities and ensure students are supported by a broad network of advocates. Collaboration within the district is equally important. By aligning initiatives to the Portrait of a Learner framework, educators across schools work toward common goals while meeting the unique needs of their students. This shared purpose strengthens consistency, equity, and outcomes. Aligning With Kentucky’s Education Priorities The work underway in Butler County reflects broader legislative priorities for Kentucky’s public schools. Continued support for Read to Succeed and Numeracy Counts initiatives underscores the importance of strong foundational skills. Investments in CTE and facility efficiency align with efforts to strengthen the education pipeline and ensure responsible use of public funds. When policy and practice are aligned, districts are better positioned to innovate, plan for the future, and respond to local needs. Butler County Schools’ success demonstrates the value of sustained, thoughtful investment in public education. Looking Ahead As Butler County Schools looks to the future, the focus remains clear: expand opportunities, strengthen partnerships, and keep students at the center of every decision. With continued legislative support and community collaboration, the district will build on its momentum, ensuring that every learner has access to the experiences and supports they need to thrive. Together, we are building stronger schools, brighter futures, and communities that are truly Butler Strong. Learn more about Butler County Schools’ work by visiting Butler County Schools website.
For more than thirty years, Kentucky has relied on the Support Education Excellence in Kentucky formula to fulfill a simple but powerful promise: every child deserves access to a high-quality public education, no matter their zip code. The SEEK formula was designed to make this promise real by supporting equity, strengthening local schools, and prioritizing the needs of students and educators. Today, that promise remains just as vital. Our districts continue to serve students with rising academic, mental health, transportation, and safety needs. Yet while expectations for schools have grown, state funding has not kept pace with real costs. As a result, local communities carry an increasing share of the burden, which challenges fairness and weakens our commitment to the Kids First mission. Understanding the Funding Gap When we look at historical trends, the issue becomes clearer. In 2008, the inflation-adjusted SEEK base was the equivalent of $5,743 per student. Today, even with periodic increases, Kentucky has not restored that level of investment. Districts, especially those with lower property wealth, are forced to rely heavily on local revenue to maintain basic programs, staffing, and student supports. This widens the gap between communities and places additional pressure on families. As we move into a new budget cycle, this is a central KASS legislative priority. Closing the SEEK shortfall and ensuring sustainable growth in state funding is essential not just for the next two years but for long-term district planning and stability. Why Add-Ons Matter for Students The SEEK base is only part of the equation. Add-on components provide targeted funding for transportation, full-day kindergarten, mental health professionals, school safety officers, and other essential services. These supports reflect the real needs of Kentucky students and the increasing expectations placed on schools. Fully funding these add-ons is not optional. It is a core part of delivering on our constitutional responsibility to provide every child with an efficient system of common schools. KASS continues to advocate for full reimbursement for school resource officers, codification of school facility funding efficiencies (such as those in HB 727), and financial impact statements on every education bill to prevent unfunded mandates for districts. Moving Toward a Stronger, More Sustainable SEEK SEEK can and should evolve to reflect the modern realities of public education. KASS supports improvements that include: Annual SEEK adjustments that track inflation so districts are not losing purchasing power each year Modernizing add-on structures to account for actual costs Aligning state and local contributions toward a sustainable 60/40 balance Ensuring consistency and predictability so districts can build long-term budgets with confidence These steps strengthen local schools, reduce inequities across communities, and honor Kentucky’s commitment to public education. Keeping Kids First: Why This Matters Now When we talk about SEEK, we are ultimately talking about fairness. A child in a rural Eastern Kentucky county deserves every opportunity available to a child in a suburban or urban district. With consistent and equitable funding, schools can continue: Recruiting and retaining high-quality educators Expanding mental health and academic supports Providing safe learning environments Offering robust pathways in career and technical education, college preparation, and workforce development These goals align directly with KASS’s 2026 priorities: investing in educator pipelines, reducing outdated mandates, expanding learning opportunities, and strengthening the financial foundation of Kentucky’s schools. A Path Forward for Kentucky The way ahead is clear. Kentucky must commit to a sustainable, fully funded SEEK system that acknowledges the real cost of educating our children. By doing so, we keep our promise to students, families, and communities. We also ensure that public education remains the Commonwealth’s most powerful driver of opportunity, mobility, and economic strength. Together, with a unified voice and a Kids First vision, we can build a future where every student across Kentucky is supported, valued, and prepared for success.
