Brief Description: Authorizing optional full-day kindergarten.

Sponsors: Representatives Haigh, Talcott, Appleton, P. Sullivan, Hunt, B. Sullivan, Ormsby, Cox, Quall, Nixon, Moeller, Newhouse, Hudgins, Upthegrove, Wallace, Green, Strow, Lantz, Kilmer, Hunter, Linville, Santos, Clements, McDermott, Fromhold, Tom, Kenney, O'Brien, Murray, Simpson, Conway, McIntire, Bailey, Hasegawa, Morrell, Ericks and Springer.

Hearing Date: 1/18/06

Staff: Barbara McLain (786-7383).

Background:

The Education Commission of the States reports that approximately 60 percent of the nation's kindergarten children attend a full-day program. Nine states require districts to offer full-day programs. Recent research by the National Center for Education Statistics and studies from Indiana and Maryland found that children in full-day kindergarten made more academic progress during the year than children in half-day classes. Improvements were larger for low-income and minority children.

In Washington, school districts can offer a full-day kindergarten program, but the state's basic education funding model allocates monies for kindergarten students only for 180 half-days of instruction. Districts offering full-day programs can supplement their basic education monies with local dollars, tuition payments, or other resources to fund a full day of kindergarten instruction.

Summary of Bill:

At the option of a school district, the basic education program for kindergarten students may consist of 180 half-days or 180 full-days of instruction. Beginning in the 2007-08 school year, for districts electing to operate a full-day kindergarten program, the Superintendent of Public Instruction must distribute monies sufficient to constitute a basic education allocation for kindergarten students based on one full school year of 180 full-days of instruction.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on January 12, 2006.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.