New Illinois Law Requires Full-Day Kindergarten By 2027-28

SPRINGFIELD, IL — Illinois kindergartners accustomed to a certain school day schedule will, in coming years, will be in the classroom longer each day after Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed a law on Wednesday requiring local school districts to establish a full-day kindergarten program within the next four years.

Pritzker signed House Bill 2396, which requires districts across the state to establish a full-day kindergarten program by the 2027-28 school year. Under the new law, every district must also establish a half-day program that is “developmentally appropriate” and provides opportunities for play-based learning.

“Full-day kindergarten is an essential step towards getting young Illinoisans off to the best possible start in their education, which has long-lasting positive effects on reading, math, and social skills,” Pritzker said in a news release. "From Smart Start to school funding to early childhood, we're investing heavily in our state's youngest residents because we know that every investment we make now is paid back multiple times over by engaged and educated citizens."

Studies conducted by the National Education Association, children in full-day classes demonstrate greater reading and mathematics achievements than those in half-day classes. Research also indicates that children's early reading skills are enhanced with the additional instruction time provided by full-day kindergarten programs.

As part of the law, families who still wish for their kindergartners to attend on a half-day basis will have that option.

Along with academic gains, full-day kindergarten offers several social and emotional benefits to students, studies have shown, the governor's office said.

Districts that currently do not offer a full-day program can apply for a waiver to extend the implementation date up to two years past the 2027-2028 school years if they meet certain criteria, the governor’s office announced.

The new law also establishes the Full Day Kindergarten Task Force, which will conduct a statewide audit to inform the planning and implementation of full-day kindergarten programs. Members will be appointed by October 1 and will be issuing an interim report on Nov. 15, 2024, and a final report no later than Jan. 31, 2025, the governor’s office said.

The task force will study the current state of full-day kindergarten in Illinois, including district capacity to provide for full-day kindergarten in the districts that do not currently offer full-day and associated capital costs that may be needed for building expansion.

“Developmentally appropriate, high-quality, play-based kindergarten lays the foundation for a child to grow academically and develop essential social-emotional skills," Illinois State Superintendent of Education Dr. Tony Sanders said in a statement released on Wednesday. "Universal access to full-day kindergarten brings us closer to ensuring all Illinois students receive the early learning opportunities they need to thrive. Today we are taking another critical step toward making Illinois the best place in the nation to raise a family."