FULL DAY KINDERGARTEN Cheshire Public Schools Board of

FULL DAY KINDERGARTEN Cheshire Public Schools Board of Education Curriculum Committee Meeting November 12, 2012

KINDERGARTEN: THE NEED FOR TIME • • • Kindergarten is a critical year for all children – a year of transition from preschool programs or home to their first formal schooling. It marks the start of a child’s long-term K-12 experience in our schools. It is our first opportunity to get to know each child and begin to build important foundations to facilitate learning skills that will last a lifetime.

PROPOSAL Full day kindergarten in the Cheshire Public Schools for all students

CONNECTICUT AND FULL DAY KINDERGARTEN 73 school districts; 7 Charter Schools and 11 Magnet Schools provide full-day kindergarten to all children. * 63% of Connecticut kindergartners are in full-time programs. * 40% more districts offer full day K than five years ago. * DRG B – Greenwich, West Hartford, Woodbridge, Glastonbury, (Madison) *October 11, 2011 SDE Kindergarten Enrollment

KINDERGARTEN ENROLLMENT IN CHESHIRE 2013 - 2016 Anticipated Enrollment Class Size Budg# A. I. Total 2013 – 2014 = 228 + 25 = 253 Full Day Classrooms Needed = 2014 – 2015 = 261 + 25 = 286 Full Day Classrooms Needed = 18 2015 – 2016 = 253 + 25 = 278 Full Day Classrooms Needed = 18 16 18 20 16 14 13 16 15 16 14

CLASSROOM SPACE AVAILABILITY 2013 - 2014 Darcey Norton Doolittle Highland Chapman Total 9 2 existing classrooms reduce L. R. /SPED spaces 2 reduce L. R. /SPED spaces 3 2 open/reduce LST space 19

ANTICIPATED SAVINGS (ESTIMATED) Reduction in transportation costs for a full day program compared to a half day program (2 runs instead of 4) $125, 000

POTENTIAL FUNDING IMPLICATIONS (BASED ON 16 FULL DAY KINDERGARTEN CLASSROOMS) 8 Classroom Teachers 8 Instructional Assistants Furniture: Tables, Chairs, etc. Materials/Supplies Total Cost $560, 000 $116, 000 $75, 000 $50, 000 $801, 000 Cost Savings: Transportation -$125, 000 TOTAL $676, 000

NEXT STEPS… Develop and Administer a Survey for Parents/Community Complete a Detailed Feasibility Study