Bernardy: All Day Kindergarten Good for MN students

In a letter to constituents sent Thursday morning, state Rep. Connie Bernardy (DFL-Fridley) touts pending all-day-kindergarten legislation: 

With the legislative session nearly half way done, I want to give you an update on our efforts at the Legislature to give Minnesota’s students a chance to participate in All Day Kindergarten. This is a crucial issue for our communities because supporting All Day K will give each family the opportunity to offer their children a world class education from the very beginning. When speaking with constituents throughout Fridley, New Brighton, and Spring Lake Park, I’ve heard strong support for All Day K and all the benefits that it brings to our students, families, and communities.

First, All Day K is good for Minnesota students. Providing funding for schools across the state to offer voluntary All Day K will put all students in position to succeed. When students start school at a young age, they are much more prepared to learn as 1st graders and as they continue in their education. 

Research has shown that every $1 invested in early education can return as much as $17 back to the State of Minnesota. These benefits come from higher wages for educated community members, strong economic development fueled by creative thinkers and job creators, and also lower costs associated with our jails and court systems.  More than anything, it helps prepare our students to be successful in their work and their communities. 

The benefits are so widespread that many school districts have already begun funding All Day K without reimbursement from the state. This commitment by local districts helps demonstrate the broad support that exists across Minnesota to offer our families voluntary All Day Kindergarten for their children.  I am working to ensure that All Day K is an official piece of our outstanding educational system. 

I welcome your input on this issue as well. I encourage you to contact me directly with any ideas, concerns, or ways I can help you on state issues. I can be reached by phone at (651) 296-5510 or by email at rep.connie.berdardy@house.mn.

Related:

• Parents Talk: Should All-Day Kindergarten Be State Funded in Minnesota?
• Capitol Review: Legislators Invite Public to Community Meetings
• Preview: Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton's State of the State Address