- Simone Braithwaite
- Simone.Braithwaite@asm.ca.gov
SACRAMENTO – Assemblymember Kevin McCarty (D-Sacramento) has introduced his Full-Day Kindergarten bill – AB 1973. This bill gives all students the opportunity to participate in a full-day kindergarten program, which will prepare them with the skills they need to thrive in school and beyond.
“Full-day kindergarten gives students the time they need to engage in meaningful learning and play,” said Assemblymember Kevin McCarty. “This can result in greater school readiness, self-confidence, and student achievement compared to part-day programs.”
Right now, school districts receive the same amount of funding from the state whether they offer part-day or full-day programs. This results in some districts only offering part-day programs, leaving students without access to the benefits of full-day kindergarten. The 2021 Budget Act included $490 million to help build more transitional kindergarten classrooms and full-day kindergarten facilities – one of the barriers preventing some districts from offering programs. Under this bill, school districts and charter schools will be required to offer full-day kindergarten programs to all students, starting in 2025-26.
Studies show that full-day kindergarten students show faster gains in literacy and language measures, resulting in long-lasting effects, including higher reaching achievement through third grade.
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Kevin McCarty represents California’s 7th Assembly District, which include the cities of Sacramento, West Sacramento and unincorporated Sacramento County. McCarty serves as Chair of the Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Education Finance. Website of Assemblymember Kevin McCarty: https://a06.asmdc.org/