1. KENTUCKY PRESCHOOL Does it provide sufficient benefits to the educational system to fund the preschool program?

2. KERA - 1990 Since, 1990, Kentucky has mandated that public schools provide preschool to 4-year- olds who qualify for free lunch and to 3-and 4-year olds with disabilities, regardless of income. Source: The Courier Journal, March 31, 2005

3. Kentucky Preschool Evaluation Project (Source: Differntial Effects of the Kentukcy Preschool Program University of Kentucky) At-Risk children and children with disabilities make significant developmental progress as a result of their participation in the preschool program. These same children continue to maintain gains throughout their primary school career. Overall development is consistently similar across all groups of children.

4. Developmentally Appropriate (Source: 704 KAR 3:410 Section 4) Cognition Communication Social Physical Emotional Development Creative Expression Interpersonal Skills Maximize Self-Management and Independence

5. Teacher Certification Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education (IECE) teaching certificate Early Childhood Probationary certificate In Fall 2004, all new lead teachers hired must be hired into certified positions.

6. Facility Requirements Classroom Space: –At least 35 per square feet per child –Additional play area of 75 square feet per child of fenced outdoor play and/or 60 square feet per child of indoor play –Attached bathroom or be within 75 feet of bathroom –Furniture and Play equipment should be safe and of the appropriate size

7. Facility Requirements (continued) Inclusion: –Meets the needs of children across a wide variety of abilities in a mainstream environment

8. Kentucky Early Childhood Standards The vision for Kentucky related to young children and their families is that all young children are healthy and safe, possess the foundation that will enable school and personal success, and live in strong families that are supported and strengthened within their communities. Source: Kentucky Preschool Program Outline October 2003

9. State-Funded Enrollment December 1, 2004 Total State-Funded Enrollment20,312 At-Risk 8,020 Disabilities12,292 Source: KDE – Proficiency & Beyond Kentucky Preschool Program presentation

10. Preschool Enrollment Trends 1994 - 2005

11. Enrollment Trends by Group 1994 - 2005

12. Other Enrollment (Not State funded))

13. Preschool Classrooms 2003 - 2004

14. Kentucky Preschool Allotment 1994 – 2006 (in millions)

15. Per Child Preschool Rates 2001-022002-032003-042004-052005-06 At-Risk $2,505$2,241$2,170$2,291$2,150 Speech/Language $2,639$2,353$2,279$2,405$2,258 Developmental Delays $3,403$3,317$3,038$3,207$3,011 Severe/Multiple Disabilities $5,565$4,257 $4,353$4,086 Source: The Courier-Journal, March 31, 2005

16. Preschool Rates (Incomplete)

17. Local Contributions (Estimate)

18. Headstart vs. State-Funded Preschool Federally Funded Began in 1965 Similar Mission Offers more comprehensive services Associate Degree for Lead Teachers Headstart Classes Must Fill Before State-Funded State and Locally Funded Began in 1990 – KERA Serves at-risk and disabled 3- and 4-year-olds Health and Social Services Are Provided From 2004, Lead Teachers Must Be Early Childhood Education Degree

19. Headstart Allotment for Kentucky

20. Future Challenges Funding: –Salaries –Transportation –Supplies, equipment, and computers –Special services Teacher Credentials Classroom/Instructional –Class configuration –Collaborative partnerships –Transition –Integration of children with disabilities –Child find, recruitment, and screening

21. Sources Used Dr. Annie Rooney French, KDE Mrs. Annette Bridges, KDE Dr. Barbara Singleton, KDE Mr. Earl Trevor, KDE/Headstart KDE website – www.education.ky.gov The Courier-Journal