Brief Description: Authorizing a full-day kindergarten program as part of basic education.

Sponsors: Representatives Haigh, Hudgins, Hunter, Morrell, Hasegawa, O'Brien, Lantz and Chase.

Hearing Date: 2/24/05

Staff: Sydney Forrester (786-7120).

Background:

School districts may offer a full-day kindergarten program, but the state's basic education funding model allocates moneys for kindergarten students only for 180 half-days of instruction. Districts offering full-day programs may supplement their basic education moneys with local dollars and/or tuition payments 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 2006-07 school year, for districts electing to operate a full-day kindergarten program, the Superintendent of Public Instruction must distribute moneys 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 February 11, 2005.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect September 1, 2006.