Lawrence Schools Expand Preschool Capacity | Lawrence News

Lawrence schools are racing to meet soaring preschool demand by opening five new classrooms later this month—two at Kennedy Early Childhood Center and others at Deerfield, Hillcrest, and Sunflower Elementary. With over 160 families on the waitlist and fewer kids entering kindergarten due to pandemic-era birth rate dips, the district is doubling down on early learning access. Superintendent Jeanice Swift says this expansion responds directly to community needs, especially since Kansas doesn’t fully fund preschool through state dollars. The district has allocated $185K for equipment, is hiring teachers and aides—including top candidates from summer interviews—and is leveraging existing school spaces to deliver critical early education that boosts child development and eases family childcare burdens. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/ec9ec20f9d7c88fc