(1) Beginning with the 2007-08 school year, funding for voluntary all-day kindergarten programs shall be phased-in beginning with schools with the highest poverty levels, defined as those schools with the highest percentages of students qualifying for free and reduced-price lunch support in the prior school year. Once a school receives funding for the all-day kindergarten program, that school shall remain eligible for funding in subsequent school years regardless of changes in the school's percentage of students eligible for free and reduced-price lunches as long as other program requirements are fulfilled. Additionally, schools receiving all-day kindergarten program support shall agree to the following conditions:

     (a) Provide at least a one thousand-hour instructional program;

     (b) Provide a curriculum that offers a rich, varied set of experiences that assist students in:

     (i) Developing initial skills in the academic areas of reading, mathematics, and writing;

     (ii) Developing a variety of communication skills;

     (iii) Providing experiences in science, social studies, arts, health and physical education, and a world language other than English;

     (iv) Acquiring large and small motor skills;

     (v) Acquiring social and emotional skills including successful participation in learning activities as an individual and as part of a group; and

     (vi) Learning through hands-on experiences;

     (c) Establish learning environments that are developmentally appropriate and promote creativity;

     (d) Demonstrate strong connections and communication with early learning community providers; and

     (e) Participate in kindergarten program readiness activities with early learning providers and parents.

     (2) Subject to funds appropriated for this purpose, the superintendent of public instruction shall designate one or more school districts to serve as resources and examples of best practices in designing and operating a high-quality all-day kindergarten program. Designated school districts shall serve as lighthouse programs and provide technical assistance to other school districts in the initial stages of implementing an all-day kindergarten program. Examples of topics addressed by the technical assistance include strategic planning, developing the instructional program and curriculum, working with early learning providers to identify students and communicate with parents, and developing kindergarten program readiness activities.

     (3) Any funds allocated to support all-day kindergarten programs under this section shall not be considered as basic education funding.

[2007 c 400 § 2.]

NOTES:

     Captions not law -- 2007 c 400: See note following RCW 28A.150.210.