Lawmakers Propose Free Pre-K for All

Legislation would fund high-quality early education in every county in Tennessee

A pair of Tennessee lawmakers are pushing legislation that would create free, state-funded pre-kindergarten in all 95 counties.

Rep. Aftyn Behn and Sen. Charlane Oliver, both of Nashville, propose a significant expansion of the state's voluntary Pre-K program for four-year-olds. The plan requires every school district in the state to establish a Pre-K program for all four-year-olds whose families wish to participate.

All districts in the state currently offer some Pre-K, but this bill would make the program universally available. Funding for the program would come from the state.

“It can’t be overstated how big of deal it would be for all working families to have access to free, high-quality early education in their community," said Behn. "Our universal pre-K legislation recognizes the challenge facing our families and takes a huge step toward ensuring that every child in Tennessee, regardless of income, has the opportunity to get a head start in school. That’s how we set the stage for Tennessee’s future success.”

Sen. Oliver said the plan is about expanding access and making smart investments in Tennessee's future.

“Every child deserves access to high-quality early education,” said Oliver, a working mother of three children. “Universal pre-K is a smart investment in kids that results in better education, health and financial outcomes well into adulthood. It’s also a strategic decision to empower working parents, who can work more hours if they choose and keep a peace of mind that their child is getting a great start in life.”

Rep. Aftyn Behn and Sen. Charlane OliverPhoto bySenate Democratic Caucus