Kindergarten Lasts All-Day for Hundreds of Kids

None by KCPW

(KCPW News) The first day of school is a long one this year for hundreds of Utah tots. More than 200 schools in the state are now offering all-day kindergarten. KCPW's Julie Rose reports:

 

The Utah Legislature allocated seven and a half million dollars to make all-day K available in schools with a high percentage of low-income students.

State Curriculum Director Brett Moulding says nearly every district in the state has at least one such class, but most are along the Wasatch Front where there are more poor families. He says extended-day kindergarten is a proven way to help struggling students be better prepared for reading and writing in first grade.

All-day kindergarten includes childhood staples like snacks and naps, but also allows more conversation and small group work. New all day kindergarten classes being offered in the Salt Lake City School District filled quickly, says a spokesman.

Schools with all-day kindergarten are still required to offer the part-day version, too, though students are not required to attend either option in Utah.

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