In three separate hearings, RIFTHP representatives testified in support of measures to ensure that all Rhode Island students have access to full day kindergarten. Currently, seven communities do not offer universal full day kindergarten. They are: Warwick, Cranston, Johnston, Coventry, East Greenwich, North Kingstown and Tiverton.
On Wednesday, April 8th, Donna Rowland, a Lincoln kindergarten teacher, testified in support of legislation increasing state funding for districts that are in transition from a half-day program to a full day program. She described the significant difference her students experienced going to a full day program. She also described how the connections she had with her students and parents improved working in a full day kindergarten classroom.
RIFTHP President Frank Flynn also testified in support of Senator Gallo’s bill S0144. He cited parent support for a full day kindergarten program and the importance kindergarten has on student success. Others testifying in support of full day kindergarten were Tim Ryan of the Superintendents’ Association, Tim Duffy of the School Committees’ Association, Elizabeth Burke Bryant of Kids Count and Mary Archambault, a Providence School Social Worker.
On Thursday, April 9th, RIFTHP Director of Professional Issues and Rhode Island Board of Education member Colleen Callahan testified in support of Article 6 of the Governor’s proposed budget in the Senate Finance Committee. Article 6 mandates that all school districts offer full day kindergarten by August 2016. The Article also eliminates state payment for private school transportation and ends the private school textbook loan program.
Colleen Callahan stressed the importance of providing more instructional time for young students as an effective strategy for closing achievement gaps. She cited RIFTHP recommendations in a report titled Shape of the Starting Line that highlight the importance of early childhood education.
Also on Thursday, April 9th, RIFTHP lobbyist James Parisi testified in support of legislation by Rep. Ucci H5275 that provided enhanced state funding for districts that move to full day kindergarten. His legislation mirrors Senator Gallo’s bill heard a day earlier. Rep. Ucci spoke about the two communities he represents, Johnston and Cranston, as places that do not currently offer full day kindergarten.