Save Full Day Kindergarten

One of the proposed budget cuts for the Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS)  FY2010-2011 budget is the elimination of full-day kindergarten in all non-Title I schools in Fairfax County.  The county estimates this would result in a $13m savings against a projected $176m shortfall.

This petition is intended to convey to Fairfax County Leaders that this proposal is unacceptable for a multitude of reasons.

*Viewing half-day kindergarten as a vehicle for savings is shortsighted.  Research shows that investment in quality early childhood education generates returns of 3 to 1 or more by lowering grade retention and drop out rates in later years.

* It is unwarranted to consider eliminating full-day kindergarten as part of the proposed 2011 budget cuts as it is an essential component of the academic foundation provided within the elementary school setting.

* Full-Day kindergarten builds strong reading and math skills and provides  our youngest students with crucial instructional time to prepare them well for the challenging FCPS currriculum.  Children in full-day score significantly higher on both math and reading standardized achievement tests.

*Teachers report that the full-day format allows them to address state standards more effectively and address the needs of students with differing abilities.
 
*All residents of the county benefit from the recognized strength of FCPS.  Eliminating full-day kindergarten would be a giant step back and would have resounding negative long-term consequences.

This is a call to action to SAVE FULL-DAY KINDERGARTEN and to preserve the quality of our schools in Fairfax County.

WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT.  Be sure to sign this petition, confirm and click the orange button for your signature to appear.
AND PASS IT ON!