Batavians in Favor of a Full Day Funded Kindergarten Option

Early education programs including preschool and full day kindergarten would benefit Batavians, and should be provided to residents within the district at a free or reduced cost. The early years are a critical period in children's learning and development. Research shows children who participate in high-quality programs have better health, social-emotional, and cognitive outcomes than those who do not participate. They demonstrate long-term improvements in school success, including higher achievement test scores and educational attainment. Additionally, districts with top rate education programs are more desirable with a higher property value, which benefits all within the community. This petition is more to gauge and show interest on these early education incentives which can be provided to the Board of Education. Go Bulldogs!

Additional information [added 10/3/16]:

We encourage you to attend the open Board of Education meetings on the following dates to voice your support for early education and a fully funded kindergarten option. Generally, regular board meetings begin at 7 p.m. and are held at the Rosalie M. Jones Administration Center located at 335 W Wilson St, Batavia, Illinois, 60510.

Tuesday, October 4: to discuss the topic
Tuesday, October 18: voting on the topic

If you can't attend the meeting please consider writing to the board to voice your opinion. They can be reached here: http://www.bps101.net/board/contact-the-board/.

Additional conerns [added 10/5/16 post board meeting]:

1. There is a concern that Science and Social Studies were not adequately being covered in the half day option. Science and Social studies should be core subjects in addition to math and reading/writing, not as specials.

2. There is concern that parents who choose a half day option might have their children bussed to a seperate school other than their home school. So may not attend the same school as family, friends, and neighbors. Students should not have to be displaced from their home school.

3. Parents should have the right to choose a full day or half day option for kindergarten that best suits their childs needs. Full day should be available at a free or reduced rate. The current proposed rate is not a financial option for many families. Neither program should hinder one another to ensure that all parties are satisfied.