HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) – Governor Andy Beshear traveled to the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce where he joined Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman, local officials, educators, business leaders and parents to rally support for the “Pre-K for All” initiative, which aims to advance the commonwealth’s public education system and job growth.
“Access to quality child care and preschool opportunities are critical for Kentucky to ultimately advance educational attainment levels in all grades and to allow more parents to participate in the workforce,” said Scott Davis, chair of the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce. “We know that children in early-learning environments frequently have better academic achievement and better language development skills. Also, a higher percentage of them are more likely to graduate high school and attend college. Furthermore, ensuring that more Kentucky children have access to early-learning opportunities can play a significant role in closing the socio-economic gap between those who have financial means and those who do not.”Beshear helps break ground on $20M facility in Muhlenberg County
During his remarks, Governor Beshear mentioned key points that support how children, families and businesses will benefit from the initiative.
This is what is in his intiative:
- Increases Kindergarten readiness for all Kentucky 4-year-olds.
- 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.
- Eliminates child-care deserts.
- 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.
- Boosts parents take-home pay.
- 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.
- Saves Kentucky families out-of-pocket child-care costs.
- By reducing child-care costs, Pre-K for All will ease financial strain for hard-working families and strengthen the foundation of Kentucky’s economy.
- Grows Kentucky’s labor force by 40,000 to 70,000 Kentuckians.
- 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.
- Grows Kentucky’s economy.
- In addition, a study from Yale shows that every dollar invested in pre-K generates $10 that cycles through the state economy.
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.
By Jana Garrett Eyewitness News