(WKYT) – Rockcastle County Schools will offer free, full-day preschool to all 4-year-olds in the county this school year after being selected as one of five districts to participate in Kentucky’s “Pre-K for All” pilot program.
Dawson Springs Independent, Glasgow Independent, Franklin County and Robertson County are also participating in the state pilot.
Expanded access for young learners
In prior years, Rockcastle County offered only a half-day preschool program. Under the new pilot, any 4-year-old in the county — as well as some 3-year-olds with disabilities — will be eligible to enroll at no cost.
Preschool teacher Kara Brown said the expansion opens the door for families who want to give their children an early academic foundation.
“Now that Rockcastle County Schools is a part of the pilot preschool for all program, we get to offer full-day preschool opportunity to any 4-year-old in our county,” Brown said.
What students will learn
Brown said students in the program will be exposed to math and literacy concepts, learn socialization and play skills, and receive a healthy meal during the school day.
Participation is not mandatory. “If you don’t want to send your 4-year-old to preschool, you don’t have to. But this is an amazing opportunity for families that says, ‘Hey, we want to give your child a leg up for their future,’” Brown said.
Tracking student progress
Over the next two years, officials will track students’ progress from the time they take Kentucky’s Kindergarten Entry Assessment in preschool to when they take it again at the start of kindergarten.
“This is going to set them up for success in kindergarten, which in turn will set them up for success in first grade, second grade, and it’s just a ladder that continues to grow as they progress through their school years,” Brown said.