Full-day kindergarten for Colorado gains Senate OK, nears governor's desk

Universal full-day kindergarten in Colorado is on its way to becoming reality after initial Senate approval Thursday.

After a final Senate vote Friday and House approval of minor amendments, the bill will land on Gov. Jared Polis’ desk. The Democrat made full-day kindergarten one of his top priorities in his first year as governor.

It’s an initiative that’s failed for several years at the hands of either budget writers or a Republican Senate majority. The $175 million program has the potential to impact tens of thousands of families around the state.

Lawmakers extolled the benefits a full day of learning will have on the state’s kindergarten students.

“Every study everywhere says early money in education is the most important money,” said state Sen. Jeff Bridges, a Greenwood Village Democrat, at a meeting with reporters earlier in the day. “The differences kids show up with in first grade stay with them their entire career.”

Read more: https://www.coloradoindependent.com/2019/04/25/full-day-kindergarten-for-colorado-gains-senate-ok-nears-governors-desk/