By MICHAEL CRIMMINS
Glasgow News 1
Barren County Schools is expanding its preschool program, and coupling it with the existing after school program, in hopes of easing the burden on working families.
During the 2026-27 school year, Barren will begin offering its preschool services five days a week — operating from 7:25 a.m. to 1 p.m.
“We know how important early learning opportunities are for that crucial long-term success of our students,” Assistant Superintendent Scott Harper said during the Feb. 12 board of education meeting,
Parents have the option to enroll their children in Barren Beyond the Bell after the 1 p.m. dismissal time, according to information provided during the board meeting. The after school program lasts until 5:30 p.m.
Director of Special Programs Christa Middleton told Glasgow News 1 that she hoped the extra preschool day combined with the after school program will help ease the burden on working parents.
Barren County is a level 2 childcare desert, meaning there are between three and six children per childcare slot, according to the Cabinet for Health and Family Services. Barren County is one of 59 Kentucky counties categorized as a level 2 desert.
Each program — preschool and Barren Beyond the Bell — will require separate registration, according to Middleton Director of Nutrition Services and Afterschool Programs CheyAnne Fant.
Something new in the 2026-27 school year is part-time and drop-in fees available for parents participating in Barren Beyond the Bell, according to Fant.
“If you [only] need them to stay until 3 o’clock… [you have the option],” Fant said. “We’re also doing a drop-in program. Let’s say grandma normally picks up the kids from school but they’re not able to do that because they’re sick or whatever, the kids can come that one day.”
“This is a great day for preschool in Barren County,” Middleton added.
Key Facts
– Starting in the 2026-27 school year, the Barren County district is expanding its preschool to 5 days a week as opposed to the current 4 days
– District personnel hope the extra instruction day and optional after school care will help working families
– Barren County has between 3 and 6 children per childcare slot, making it a level 2 childcare desert
– Parents will need to register for each program separately
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