Senator Larkin Passes Full Day Kindergarten Legislation

Senator Bill Larkin (R,C,I-Cornwall-on-Hudson) co-sponsored legislation that passed the New York State Senate yesterday which will expand full day kindergarten to school districts that currently only offer half day kindergarten programs. The legislation (S700B) would help ensure that all children have access to a quality educational foundation by providing additional resources to school districts with half-day programs to transition to full day programs.

           “As the representative of two school districts with half-day kindergarten programs, I am thrilled to see the Senate taking the lead on this important issue,” said Senator Bill Larkin. “The Senate Majority’s commitment to schoolchildren, their families, and providing first class educational opportunities is unmatched, and this is just further proof. I applaud Majority Leader Flanagan for bringing this important bill to the floor and for his efforts in making full day kindergarten a reality for every child in New York State.”

Though the number of half-day kindergarten programs statewide is significantly fewer than past years, the state’s current aid program has yet to ensure that every kindergarten program in New York is full day. There are five districts in the state that currently don’t offer full day kindergarten programs – Shenendehowa, Brighton, Pittsford, Washingtonville, and North Rockland. In this bill, the districts would be better able to transition to full day kindergarten with varying levels of additional state assistance over a period of five years.

This measure will be among the education initiatives included in the Senate’s 2018-19 budget resolution being taken up on Wednesday, March 14.

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