LEXINGTON — New data from the National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER) show Kentucky continues to lag behind neighboring states in access to state‑funded preschool, even as it maintains strong quality standards. During the 2024–25 school year, Kentucky served just 26% of four‑year‑olds and 8% of three‑year‑olds, with enrollment declining by nearly 900 children from the year prior. “When states invest in quality preschool programs …