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Kentucky expands Team Kentucky pre-K pilot to Dawson Springs, pledging slots for about 160 children
Summary
Gov. Beshear announced expansion of Team Kentucky pre-K pilot programs to Dawson Springs and other districts; Dawson Springs will serve roughly 160 children over two years, doubling its current pre-K capacity, Superintendent Lenny Whalen said.
Gov. Andy Beshear said Team Kentucky is expanding its pre-K pilot program, adding Dawson Springs to the list of participating districts and increasing the state’s early learning capacity. "Over a 160 children in the Dawson Springs School District will be served through our pre k pilot program over the next 2 years," Beshear said at the press update.
Lenny Whalen, identified as the superintendent of Dawson Springs Schools, said the district is "over the moon excited" to partner with Team Kentucky and expects the program to strengthen kindergarten readiness and long-term academic outcomes. Whalen described the 160-student figure as a target and pointed to decades of research backing early education effectiveness.
Beshear said this expansion is part of a phased plan: five school districts will participate in full-day pilots for the 2026–27 school year, and the Team Kentucky Early Learning Center in Frankfort will provide discounted childcare for executive-branch employees. "Every Kentucky child deserves a strong start," the governor said, noting the administration still plans legislative and budget efforts to grow access further.
