Starting in 2024, a new state law will require children to turn five years old by September 1 of the new school year to be eligible for kindergarten. This is a significant shift from the previous cutoff of December 31, and it has far-reaching implications for our children and their families.
Connecticut's new kindergarten eligibility law, set to take effect in July 2024, is a well-intentioned effort to align our state with national standards. However, it has unintended consequences that threaten to widen the educational and financial gaps for our most vulnerable families.
Under the new law, children must turn five by September 1 to start kindergarten, a change from the previous December 31 cutoff. This shift will delay the entry of approximately 9,000 children, half of whom come from low-income and asset-limited families. The financial burden of an additional year of childcare, coupled with the lack of state funding to support this transition, is a recipe for deepening inequality.
Our survey of Connecticut school district superintendents reveals a consensus: 87% agree that increasing funding for early childhood education subsidies is crucial in light of this change. Moreover, a majority support delaying the law's implementation by one year to provide families and educators with the necessary time to adapt.
The current landscape is one of confusion and disparity. Our review of 130 school districts' kindergarten entry policies shows a lack of uniformity, with only 60% having an updated policy easily accessible online. This inconsistency leaves families, especially those in low-income areas, navigating a maze of uncertainty.
To address these challenges, we are recommending investing $50 million into existing public funding sources like Care 4 Kids and School Readiness. This investment would help low-income parents afford education for their children before kindergarten and assist early childhood educators in accommodating an additional 9,000 four-and-five-year-olds.
Furthermore, we call for a technical fix to delay the kindergarten eligibility changes until the 2025-2026 school year. This delay would provide families more time to plan, ensure school districts can create equitable kindergarten readiness assessments, and allow early childhood educators to prepare for the influx of students.
The story of Moriah Lopez, a working mother of two, exemplifies the real-life impact of this law. Faced with uncertainty and potential financial strain, families like hers are left to navigate the changes with little support. It's a reminder that policies must consider the diverse needs of our communities.
As we advocate for these changes, we invite you to join us in ensuring that all Connecticut children have equal access to the early learning experiences they need to thrive. Together, we can create a more equitable and supportive educational landscape for our state's youngest learners.