Indiana Department of Education Announces Full-Day Kindergarten Grants

In April, the Indiana General Assembly passed a state budget that included $92 million in funding – $75 million more than in previous years – for full-day programs over the biennium. The budget allows for $33.5 million for the 2007-2008 school year and $58.5 million for 2008-2009.

“Though we cannot be satisfied until kindergarten students across Indiana are afforded the opportunity to attend a quality full-day program, this year marks a bold step in that direction,” Dr. Reed said.

All school corporations and charter schools were eligible to apply for the grants provided they include five hours of instructional time for 180 days during the school year and meet the academic standards and other requirements under state law and State Board of Education rules. Additionally, teachers of the programs will be required to monitor the literacy progress of all students participating in the program.

The funding amounts are determined by the number of schools that applied for the grants. Because state grant funding is not sufficient to serve all kindergarten students, a corporation/school may leverage the grants using general funds or voluntary parent fees to fully fund individual full-day programs.

School corporations and charter schools that did not apply for grants for the 2007-2008 school year will still be eligible to apply for funding during the 2008-2009 school year.

Effective FDK programs are widely recognized as one of the best ways to close the achievement gap by addressing learning problems early. Indiana schools that offer FDK programs point to student gains in academic achievement, social and emotional development, school readiness and attendance rates while noting reductions in costs associated with student retention, remediation and referrals to special education. Learn more online at www.doe.state.in.us/FDK.