Gov. Polis introduces full-day kindergarten legislation

Governor Jared Polis introduced full-day kindergarten legislation Friday.

Gov. Polis highlighted the $185 million set aside by the Joint Budget Committee to implement full-day kindergarten legislation. The Governor’s office reports, these funds will fully fund the anticipated full-day kindergarten enrollment and free up over 5,000 Early Childhood At-Risk Enhancement slots for preschool.

“This week we made huge progress toward providing Colorado families with free, full-day kindergarten,” Polis said.

He continued by saying that the Joint Budget Committee has recognized the enormous impacts that free, full-day kindergarten would have in Colorado, and legislators are introducing a bill to make this a reality.

“Full-day kindergarten saves families money, frees up funding for over 5,000 free preschool slots, gives parents the option of going back to work sooner and ensures that all children can get a strong start,” Polis said.

Under the bill, nothing requires a child to attend full-day kindergarten or prohibits a school district from offering half-day kindergarten.

KRDO is continuing to follow this story and will continue to bring you updates.