Who Are We?

We are a group of parents deeply concerned about the proposed cuts in the Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) FY2010-2011 budget. One of the proposed budget cuts is the elimination of full-day kindergarten in all non-Title I schools in Fairfax County. The county estimates this would result in a $13m savings against a projected $176m shortfall.

This proposal is unacceptable for a multitude of reasons.

*Viewing half-day kindergarten as a vehicle for savings is shortsighted. Research shows that investment in quality early childhood education generates returns of 3 to 1 or more by lowering grade retention and drop out rates in later years.

* It is unwarranted to consider eliminating full-day kindergarten as part of the proposed 2011 budget cuts as it is an essential component of the academic foundation provided within the elementary school setting.

* Full-Day kindergarten builds strong reading and math skills and provides our youngest students with crucial instructional time to prepare them well for the challenging FCPS currriculum. Children in full-day score significantly higher on both math and reading standardized achievement tests.

*Teachers report that the full-day format allows them to address state standards more effectively and address the needs of students with differing abilities.

*All residents of the county benefit from the recognized strength of FCPS. Eliminating full-day kindergarten would be a giant step back and would have resounding negative long-term consequences.

This is a call to action to SAVE FULL-DAY KINDERGARTEN and to preserve the quality of our schools in Fairfax County.

WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT