Gov. Andy Beshear continues his push for universal pre-kindergarten in Kentucky, expanding his Pre-K for All pilot program to serve approximately 3,000 students across four school districts beginning in the 2026-2027 school year.

Beshear announced Tuesday the expansion of Franklin County Schools and Glasgow Independent Schools in Barren County, adding to the Robertson and Rockcastle county programs the governor launched via executive order in May. The full-day programs mark a continued effort by Beshear to address what he says is a critical gap in childhood education access.

According to Beshear's administration, fewer than half of Kentucky's children arrive at kindergarten ready to learn. The governor argues that preschool is the single most effective way for every child to get the start they need, providing foundational reading, math and social skills.

The expansion comes despite the Republican-controlled General Assembly declining to fund universal pre-K during the 2026 legislative session. Beshear said his administration is funding the programs by redirecting dollars from workforce initiatives that were not maximizing outcomes, using federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act funds.

The move has drawn criticism from Republican lawmakers. Senate President Robert Stivers raised concerns about how the state would fund future expansions and what impact the program might have on existing private-sector childcare providers.

Beshear has made expanding early childhood education access a signature initiative, arguing it strengthens Kentucky's workforce and saves families money on childcare costs. The governor said he intends to continue building on these pilot programs.