WHEREAS, Schools must be responsible to the unique family and cultural backgrounds of all students and provide children with more high-quality learning and opportunities; and

WHEREAS, Years of solid research have shown the high-quality, all-day kindergarten programs give children a much better chance to succeed in school, achieve greater gains in early language and literacy and acquire higher cognitive skills; and

WHEREAS, All-day kindergarten has been found to be particularly helpful for disadvantaged students; and

WHEREAS, In Minneapolis, research shows that all-day kindergarten is helping to close the literacy gap between kids from poor families and those from more affluent ones; and

WHEREAS, In Philadelphia, a study of more than 17,000 students found that children attending all-day kindergarten dramatically out-performed those in half-day programs; and

WHEREAS, Studies show that children who are given additional opportunities to achieve and develop skills in letter identification, sight word recognition and socialization do better in the first grade and beyond; and

WHEREAS, Children whose parents choose to hold their children out of kindergarten, simply miss a prime opportunity to develop skills, competencies and interest in a supportive classroom environment; and

WHEREAS, To be effective, all-day kindergarten must have qualified and certified teachers that vary learning and social activities, as well as, quiet time; and

WHEREAS, Full-day kindergarten will attract more children to public schools; and

WHEREAS, The State of Michigan does not require enrollment in half or full-day kindergarten; and

WHEREAS, The State of Michigan is among the majority of states, that provide funds for both, half and full-day kindergarten; NOW THEREFORE BE IT

RESOLVED: That the MFT&SRP believe it is in the best interest of all children to attend full-day kindergarten; AND BE IT FINALLY

RESOLVED: That the MFT&SRP will work toward legislation that mandates and fully funds full-day kindergarten for all children.