Eastern Kentucky community gets first preschool in nearly 2 decades

BUCKHORN, Ky. ( FOX 56 ) — Imagine an hour-long ride to school every day. Many Buckhorn students faced this for the past two years, attending school in Hazard while their school was being rebuilt because of the 2022 floods.

“It’s been very difficult, but my staff and students are very resilient, and they have pushed through, and it’s so exciting to be home,” Jennifer Hickerson, Buckhorn principal, said.

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Students are officially back to regular programs this year in high fashion. The renovated school has also added a preschool program, the first in nearly 20 years. Alissa Taylor, Kentucky state director for Save the Children, said the organization worked with Perry County Schools and other community partners to make the preschool a reality.

“It’s life changing. These kids are going to start kindergarten with a confidence because they have the school skills they need. They’re familiar with the school, and the families are going to feel confident walking in and representing and advocating for their children,” said Taylor.

The preschool has about three dozen students, with both morning and afternoon classes, an activity center and its own playground. This year, money to fund the program is coming from seed funding.

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Those involved say the best part of it all is knowing students will be getting a head start on their education, which should lead to more success down the road.

“Early childhood education is so important to starting them off on the right foot and getting kids reading, and reading on grade level, so we are so happy to have the opportunity to house that in our own building and close to home again,” said Hickerson.

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