Full-day Kindergarten Funding

We need you to contact the parties below to voice your concerns regarding the proposed budget cuts which would include eliminating full day kindergarten funding. We believe that it is fiscally irresponsible to cut funding for early childhood education. Research empirically proves that children gain academically and socially during the primary years from participation in full-day, compared to half-day, kindergarten programs. Participation in full day kindergarten:

Contributes to increased school readiness

Leads to higher academic achievement

Supports literacy and language development

Benefits children socially and emotionally

Decreases costs by reducing retention and remediation rates in the future

The state proposal would eliminate full-day kindergarten funding and allow schools to charge tuition for those students that choose to enroll in a full day kindergarten program. Dr. Robershotte, Edu-Prize Superintendent, stated in an interview with the East Valley Tribune regarding the cut in funding that "children with the wherewithal will have a full education and those who don't get a partial education. I think this is devastating." (1/20/2010 issue) We must give voice to maintaining this foundational program which will ensure quality education for all children. Please make your calls and send emails today.

Please visit:
www.azleg.gov/alisStaticPages/HowToContactMember.asp

Representative Email Address Phone Number
Pamela Gorman pgorman@azleg.gov 602-926-5284
Thayer Verschoor tverschoor@azleg.gov 602-926-4136
Andy Biggs abiggs@azleg.gov 602-926-4371
Eddie Farnsworth efarnsworth@azleg.gov 602-926-5735
Governor Jan Brewer www.azgovernor.gov 602-542-4331
Secretary of State Ken Bennett www.azsos.gov 602-542-4285
Superintendent Tom Horne www.ade.az.gov 602-542-5460