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03/29/2024 01:29 AM
Pennsylvania State Senate
https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/Legis/CSM/showMemoPublic.cfm?chamber=S&SPick=20130&cosponId=12648
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Senate of Pennsylvania
Session of 2013 - 2014 Regular Session

MEMORANDUM

Posted: April 30, 2013 12:04 PM
From: Senator Andrew E. Dinniman
To: All Senate members
Subject: Compulsory Enrollment Age
 
I plan to introduce legislation that will amend the Public School Code of 1949 to lower the age which a child must enter school from the age of eight to the age of five.

Pennsylvania is one of only two states that delays the requirement to attend school until the age of eight. Early childhood education efforts have a key role in building the necessary foundation to a child’s ability to succeed later in life. In a time where there is renewed focus on the need for early education, the need for modernization of codes that are based on farming economy is essential.

The Pennsylvania Legislative Early Childhood Education Caucus is one of the strongest bi-partisan caucuses in number and in drive. The Caucus is Co-Chaired by Sen. Browne and Rep. Mundy, both of who were recent recipients of the Children’s Champion Award. The caucus has 127 caucus members to promote awareness and to encourage advocacy and action.

Passage of my bill is a necessary legislative step to assure that all children in the Commonwealth are provided access to early learning and development before the age of eight. For Pennsylvania to continue to follow a law in the School Code that says the beginning of a child’s educational pursuit can begin at age eight clearly sends the wrong message in terms of the importance of early childhood education and in the State’s commitment to economic development.

While the school districts in PA have at least half day kindergarten, it is potentially possible based on the School Code for districts who are in economic meltdown which is occurring in a number of our districts to end K-2 (age 5-7). This would have tragic consequences for so many of our children in the poorest districts who are in need of education opportunities and a good start in school.

If you have any questions regarding this legislation, please contact Lisa M. Felix at lfelix@pasenate.com or at 705-5849.



Introduced as SB992