Full-day kindergarten. Montana kids deserve it now

The Montana Education Association-Montana Federation of Teachers supports state-funded full-day kindergarten without apology, equivocation, or ambiguity. It is way past time for Montana to provide our youngest students everywhere voluntary access to a time-tested, demonstrably positive early start in their formal primary education.

We commend Gov. Brian Schweitzer, Superintendent Linda McCulloch, and all other political and education community leaders who have announced their support for state-funded full-day kindergarten.

By Eric Feave

Full Story: http://www.mtstandard.com/articles/2006/05/19/newsopinion_top/20060518_newsopinion_top.txt

Montana Governor outlines education plan- wants to show that education is “seamless” from kindergarten to post-graduate school in Montana http://www.matr.net/article-19362.html

Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer is all-day kindergarten convert http://www.matr.net/article-19276.html

Does preschool yield bottom-line benefits? Is this what economic development looks like? YES!!! http://www.matr.net/article-18476.html

Montana State Superintendent of Public Instruction Linda McCulloch pledges to continue kindergarten funding campaign http://www.matr.net/article-18186.html

Early education essential, pays off http://www.matr.net/article-17878.html

Experts say economy needs expanded early childhood education. “If businesses are stewards of their regions, they will come to understand that early childhood education will pay off as an investment.” http://www.matr.net/article-17693.html

Einsteins at five – In the ‘new’ kindergarten, kids no longer just tie shoes, but read, write, and calculate. http://www.matr.net/article-17260.html

Early Childhood Education Endorsed as Economic Development Strategy http://www.matr.net/article-16895.html

States invest in the future – pre-kindergarten education for all 3- and 4-year-olds makes children better learners http://www.matr.net/article-15525.html

Report Highlights Governors Leadership on Pre-Kindergarten http://www.matr.net/article-14516.html

Early education called business asset http://www.matr.net/article-14023.html