Funding for full day kindergarten?

This year, several legislators are sponsoring a 2017 bill to provide more funding for schools that offer full-day kindergarten. Right now the state funds all kindergarten programs as if they are half-day programs.  The bill, HB 155, would acknowledge full-day kindergarten programs, essentially doubling kindergarten funding for those school districts.

The Department of Education estimates the bill would increase statewide kindergarten funding by roughly $14.5 million.

The bill does not mandate that NH schools be required to offer full-day kindergarten.

Supporters argue that the bill may encourage more schools to offer full-day kindergarten, which they contend has been shown to benefit kids in the long term.

However, opponents of an increase in funding express concerns at the cost and what it would mean for taxpayers. Other contend that full-day kindergarten is too demanding for children.

UPDATE: Read our Citizen Voices℠ report and find out where New Hampshire stands on this issue.