Illinois Guarantees Robust Early Childhood Education for All
By the 2027/28 school year, every school district will offer full day kindergarten program
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Gov. JB Pritzker recently signed a bipartisan measure that guarantees all-day kindergarten for all Illinois children, beginning with the 2027-2028 school year. This proposal, spearheaded by Rep. Mary Beth Canty, D-Arlington Heights, also establishes the Full Day Kindergarten Task Force, which will conduct a statewide audit to inform the planning of implementation of full day kindergarten programs.
“This piece of legislation is an important step toward ensuring our kids have every opportunity to succeed and thrive,” said House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch. “The benefits of early childhood education are well documented; we know that all-day kindergarten will benefit our children’s growth. We also know that this will also help ease the burden for many families who are struggling with the cost of childcare. I was proud to co-sponsor this proposal, and I’m proud that we continue to make smart investments in our youth and education here in Illinois.”
According to the National Education Association, children in full-day classes show greater reading and mathematics achievements than those in half day classes. Research also indicates that children’s early reading skills are enhanced with the additional instruction time provided by full day kindergarten programs. Alongside academic gains, full day kindergarten offers several social and emotional benefits to students.
“High-quality early childhood education can provide the foundation that our kids need to succeed in the following years in their school and working lives,” said Rep. Canty. “By guaranteeing that foundation for all kids, we are leveling the playing field and preparing every Illinois child for a competitive job market they’ll ultimately have to face. In addition to these benefits, working and single parents will get relief from the taxing burden of providing round-the-clock care for their kids when they may not be able to afford it.”
Currently, school districts may provide either half-day or full-day kindergarten. Canty’s House Bill 2396 provides a four-year period in which school districts must begin to offer full-day kindergarten. The law also allows struggling schools to apply for a two-year extension if they meet certain criteria.
“Full day kindergarten is an essential step towards getting young Illinoisans off to the best possible start in their education, which has long-lasting positive effects on reading, math, and social skills,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “From Smart Start to school funding to early childhood, we’re investing heavily in our state’s youngest residents because we know that every investment we make now is paid back multiple times over by engaged and educated citizens.”