Governor Makes Full Day Kindergarten Mandatory

(Undated) — Illinois is making full-day kindergarten mandatory statewide. Governor, JB Pritzker, signed a bill that requires each school board to establish a kindergarten program with full-day attendance. However, the change will not begin until the 2027-2028 school year. Under this measure, every district must also establish a half-day program that is developmentally appropriate and provides opportunities for play-based learning. Research shows children in full-day classes show greater reading and mathematics achievements than those in half-day classes.