Home > Archived: Children enrolled in state-funded full-day kindergarten

Archived: Children enrolled in state-funded full-day kindergarten

Data source: CEDARS

Supplemental Information

2015 Supplemental Report

Why is this a priority?

Funding full-day kindergarten is a major component of our state’s effort to increase the achievement of students, especially children who come to school with limited educational opportunity. In combination with increasing preschool opportunities and reducing class sizes in grades K-3, the state is increasing the quantity and quality of early learning opportunities for children, which is intended to lead to improved academic, social, emotional, graduation, and other positive outcomes for our public school students.

How are we doing?

The 2007 Legislature set a goal for statewide implementation of full-day Kindergarten in the 2017–18 school year, assuming a 10% annual increase. In 2007–08, 10% of students were funded and 20% were funded in 2008–09 and 2009-10. Only very small increases occurred for the 2011-12 (21%) and 2012-12 (22%) school years. For the 2013-14 and 2014-15 school year, 43.75% of students are scheduled to be funded. To reach 100% by the 2017-18 school year will require annual increases of 18.75% for each of the 2015–16, 2016–17, and 2017–18 school years.

What are we working on?

The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, Educational Service Districts, and school districts are providing professional development and trainings to kindergarten teachers and administrators regarding how to design high quality full-day kindergarten programs, including how to:

  • meet the needs of diverse students,
  • build stronger relationships with families, and
  • connect with early learning providers.

Information also is available regarding which schools are currently receiving full-day kindergarten in Washington and which are not and the benefits of full-day kindergarten.

How can you help?

Information and resources regarding state-funded full-day kindergarten is available at: http://www.k12.wa.us/EarlyLearning/FullDayKindergartenResearch.aspx. Parents who have, or soon will have, children in part-day kindergarten programs may want to inquire when the child’s school will be eligible for full-day kindergarten funding.

Prepared by: Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction