The Senate Education Committee voted 5-1 Wednesday to advance a bill that requires mandatory kindergarten and school attendance for Louisiana children beginning at age 5.
Senate Bill 10 would require each city, parish and local school board to offer full-day kindergarten instruction to any child who turns five before September 30th of the calendar year in which the school year begins. Present law does not mandate kindergarten attendance, and a child in Louisiana is not required to start attending school until age 7.
During the hearing, multiple amendments were added to the bill, including one stating that the bill allows for home study programs or nonpublic schools not seeking state approval to qualify as a kindergarten program under the law.
Sen. Beth Mizell, R-Franklinton, disagreed with the bill on the grounds that some children are not ready to attend kindergarten at the age of 5.
Gov. John Bel Edwards’ office took to social media to support the bill, posting a graphic stating the benefits of mandatory kindergarten.
The bill next moves to the Senate floor for debate.
