Rationale and Best Practices for Public School 4-Year-Old Kindergarten

• Return to Wisconsin's constitutional commitment that school districts are free to all children between the ages of 4 and 20 years.
• Community perspective - common school for the common good.
• Provides equity since it is available to all children in a community; the child does not have to be labeled as low income or with a special condition to be enrolled.
• Affordable to parents regardless of financial means as cost distribution across community.
• Many families would like school-based services for their children.
• Brings additional funding to school districts and communities as state shares in cost.
• Applies research on early brain development and cost benefits of early learning opportunities.
• Teachers with BA or higher degrees in early childhood education have the experience and training to provide quality learning opportunities.
• Teacher salaries & work environment create more stable work force.
• Support services are available to address special needs: e.g. school nurse, psychologists, specialty teachers, and special education services.
• Access to special resources and quality learning materials enhances curriculum: e.g. libraries, art, music, and technology.
• School standards provide protection and safe environment.
• Availability of older children as peer models/tutors/coaches.
• Sense of continuity for child as they move into the next grade level.

How Schools Can Implement 4K through Best Practices

• Involve the community in the decision to implement 4K and develop community wide approaches that involve the child care industry in the delivery of 4-year-old kindergarten.
• Adapt the school structure to meet the needs of younger children: e.g. providing flexible and open classroom space, reducing travel time on bus, implementing parent outreach activities.

• Instruct using curriculum that is developmentally appropriate, with child and teacher directed activities, emphasis on active learning, and addressing all developmental areas.

• Strive for consistency with DCF child care rules in relation to needs of younger children.

• Provide extended day options through before/after school programs and 4K services in community child care to address needs of working parents.

• Develop and share options to support parents who want to keep their child home.