Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that establishes all-day kindergarten for all school districts.

Highlights:

• Requires each school board to create a developmentally appropriate full-day kindergarten that gives opportunities for play-based learning by the 2027-2028 school year (Sec. 10-22.18). 

• Authorizes a school applying for a two year extension period if they meet one of the following (Sec. 10-22.18): 

• The school district is funded below 70% of adequacy according to the Evidence-Based Funding formula; 

• The school board is ranked in the top 25% of capital funding need by the Full-Day Kindergarten Task Force, but has not received funding; and/or 

• The school board has met other criteria set by the Full-Day Kindergarten Task Force. 

• Establishes the Full-Day Kindergarten Task Force (Sec. 10-22.18). 

• Requires the Full-Day Kindergarten Task Force perform a statewide audit that reports the following (Sec. 10-22.18): 

• The number of school districts offering kindergarten, the number of school districts offering full-day kindergarten, the number of school districts offering part-day kindergarten, and the number of school days offering both full-day and part-day kindergarten;  

• The total number of students enrolled in kindergarten within the state, the total number of students enrolled in full-time kindergarten within the state, the total number of students enrolled in part-day kindergarten within the state, and the number of students currently on a waitlist for part-day or full-day kindergarten;

• An estimate of the students eligible for kindergarten in all districts 

• An analysis of of space utilization rate and an assessment of district capacity to provide space for full-day kindergarten classrooms for all districts that do not currently provide full-day kindergarten 

• An estimated cost analysis for transitioning to full day kindergarten for all districts that do not currently provide full-day kindergarten; and 

• Other data and/or recommendations that would aid the state and districts in providing full-day kindergarten.  

Full Bill Text