Kentucky childcare licensing
Kentucky child care state pre-k program
Pre-K eligibility, provider requirements, and funding. This page isolates the configured Kentucky figures, related explanations, and primary source links from the full licensing guide.
Cited to 922 KAR Chapter 2Verified June 2026Summary only, not legal advice
- Program
- Kentucky Preschool Program (KDE)
- Age eligibility
- Four-year-olds by the state's kindergarten-entry cutoff date; three- and four-year-olds with a developmental delay or disability are eligible regardless of income.
- Income eligibility
- Income-eligible four-year-olds (family income at or below the state's published threshold, historically ~160% FPL); children with disabilities qualify at any income.
- Provider requirements
- Operated by local public school districts under KDE preschool regulations; districts may deliver in partnership with Head Start or licensed child-care programs through blended/contracted arrangements.
- Funding
- State-funded through the KDE preschool grant allocation to districts; no parent tuition for eligible children.
- Education department role
- The Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) administers the program and sets preschool program standards; Kentucky's early-learning standards (Kentucky Early Childhood Standards) are shared with child care via the KY Governor's Office of Early Childhood.
- Source
- Figures effective 2026. Official Kentucky program source
Citation: 922 KAR Chapter 2
Disclaimer: These figures are a summary of Kentucky's childcare regulations as of publication; always confirm current requirements directly with the CHFS Division of Child Care before relying on them. This page is a summary for informational purposes only and is not legal or compliance advice. Confirm with Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services, Division of Child Care.