The federal government has selected Kentucky for a nearly $36 million grant to support families and the state’s economy by ensuring more children are ready for kindergarten.
The Office of Early Childhood Development Preschool Development Birth through Five grant will provide Kentucky with $11.9 million each year over a three-year period. Gov. Andy Beshear said these funds will help the commonwealth develop and expand early learning programs; build an early childhood education workforce talent pipeline and expand access to high quality for children most in need.
Statistics show when a young child enters kindergarten ready for school, there is an 82% chance that child will master basic skills by age 11 compared with a 45% chance for children who are not school ready.
The $36 million federal award will build upon a $10.6 million PDG B-5 grant to Kentucky in 2019.