Assemblyman Ken Zebrowski announced that his legislation to provide full-day kindergarten to all New York children has passed the Assembly (A.8692B). The bill increases conversion aid and provides multi-year funding to better assist the handful of remaining school districts in the state transition to a full-day program, including the North Rockland and East Ramapo School Districts. As of the 2015-16 school year, only nine districts do not provide full-day kindergarten. Zebrowski’s bill changes the current incentive program from a one-year grant to a five-year phase out which provides districts with both increased aid and flexibility to convert to a full-day program.

“It has been proven time and again how important early childhood education is and how fundamental those early years are to the future success of our children. Investing in these school districts and helping them to transition to a full-day program is an investment in our students. It is illogical that a child could go from a full-day pre-k program to then only go backwards the next year by going to a half-day kindergarten class,” said Assemblyman Zebrowski.

Since its inception, the legislation has been supported and heavily advocated by on behalf of Assemblyman Zebrowski’s colleagues and Rockland residents. Assemblyman James Skoufis has been instrumental in the bill’s passage as has Assemblywoman Ellen Jaffee as co-sponsors. A grass-roots effort of local parents and educators has also gathered around the bill and joined together to create the North Rockland Full-Day Kindergarten Advocates, who have worked to push for the proposal. The effort has also stemmed statewide to include the other nine districts that only have half-day programs. In March of this year, Assemblymembers Zebrowski and Skoufis facilitated several meetings with the Governor and Speaker’s office where the advocates expressed their support of the proposal.

"Every study and all research points to the fact that children in half day kindergarten programs begin first grade at an educational disadvantage," said Assemblyman Skoufis. "North Rockland kindergarten students should be getting the same, full education that almost all other children in New York State receive; this important bill will enable the few remaining school districts to correct this injustice," said Assemblyman Skoufis.

“I am proud the Assembly passed this kindergarten legislation I co-sponsored which provides school districts the assistance they need to transition to full-day kindergarten. There are currently nine districts remaining in New York without full-day K and two of them are North Rockland and East Ramapo. Studies have found higher academic achievement levels in math and reading by children who attended full-day kindergarten when compared with children who did not. Providing full-day kindergarten for every child is essential and should be a priority!” said Assemblywoman Jaffee.

"The successful journey of this bill thus far is a sign of hope for early childhood equity across New York State. All New York State young learners deserve a fair start and a seat in a full-day kindergarten program. Years ago the state adopted full-day kindergarten learning standards and failed to implement the funds to support it. This bill will one day help North Rockland children be provided the same learning opportunity that 99% of New York State public school districts already have. North Rockland stands unique given our fiscal struggles. This bill will help our children and I urge the school board to realize the bills’ value. Thank you to Assemblyman Zebrowski, Assemblyman Skoufis, and our local Senators for their continued advocacy and commitment to our community," said Jen Teichmann, parent and president of North Rockland Full-Day Kindergarten Advocates.

The legislation will move on to the Senate where Senator David Carlucci sponsors the bill.

“It is time that New York steps up and provides this critical service for all children across the State. It shouldn’t matter what side of the street you live on to determine if you are eligible for full day kindergarten. This proposal ensures educational equity for all New York children,” concluded Assemblyman Zebrowski.