(WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Illinois public schools may soon be required to offer full-day kindergarten. State senators will discuss a bill on the subject next week.
State Representative Mary Beth Canty frames the move from offering half-day to full-day kindergarten in part as an economic issue. The Arlington Heights democratic sponsor tells Chalkbeat Chicago it will help working parents.
The news site reports more than 700 out of the 852 school districts in the state already have full-day kindergarten, but that could include half day classes plus services.
A Downers Grove superintendent said without more funding, some districts won’t be able to pay for full-day especially during a teacher shortage. The state does not require kids to attend school until they turn 6.
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