Beshear highlights Glasgow pre-K after school visit

2 hours ago

Derek Gregory,

GLASGOW, Ky. (WNKY)— Gov. Andy Beshear highlighted Glasgow Independent Schools’ pre-K program during his Team Kentucky update Wednesday, just one day after visiting the district.

Glasgow added 60 students to its five-day pre-K program at the beginning of the school year, bringing total enrollment to 160. The expansion gives more 4-year-olds in the district access to preschool at no cost to their families.

Program serves more Glasgow students

Beshear said the program is designed to help children enter kindergarten better prepared while also easing child care costs for families.

“That means more four year olds living within the Glasgow Independent School District can attend preschool at no cost to their families. That is life changing for them, and it’s making sure that they are all ready for kindergarten and it’s life changing for their families, helping parents to rejoin the workforce and save on childcare costs,” Beshear said.

During the update Beshear also pointed to the district’s efforts to identify learning challenges and developmental delays early.

Students have access to speech, occupational and physical therapy, as well as educators trained to work with children with disabilities. Every preschool classroom has a certified teacher and an instructional assistant.

Focus goes beyond academics

Belinda West, Glasgow’s director of special education and pre-K, previously told News 40 that the program puts a strong emphasis on social and emotional development.

Children work on problem-solving, friendships and identifying their emotions. West said teachers also help students learn how to handle the “big emotions” that can come at ages 3 and 4.

Those skills can help make the move to kindergarten easier, she said.

“When they go to kindergarten, they’ve got that strong foundation,” West said.

West said parents have noticed some of those lessons carrying over at home. Families have reported hearing children use the same language about friendship and getting along with others that they hear in the classroom.