SPRINGFIELD - State Representatives Kevin Schmidt (R-Millstadt) and Brandun Schweizer (R-Danville) held a press conference today, alongside Principal Darla Wall from Annette Officer Elementary School in East St. Louis to discuss their support for a Kindergarten requirement.
HB 4253, filed by Rep. Schmidt and co-sponsored by Rep. Schweizer, would require all students in Illinois to enroll in kindergarten to learn essential skills in reading, writing, and mathematics before entering 1st grade. Currently, Illinois requires public schools to offer Kindergarten programs but does not mandate attendance.
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Schmidt says that these early years can set students up for an educational career of success, and all students should be prepared to enter the grade they are going into.
“With my bill, students must have a Kindergarten education prior to entering 1st grade, and they can enter before the age of 6, but must begin Kindergarten no later than age 6,” said Schmidt. “Kindergarten is a crucial stage in education that supports independence, and this bill will strengthen our children’s future through a strong kindergarten experience.”
Schweizer, a sitting member of the Child Care Accessibility & Early Childhood Education Committee echoes Schmidt’s thoughts and reiterated the need for this requirement.
“Early education and intervention are crucial for development,” said Rep. Schweizer. “By age 5, nearly 90% of brain growth has occurred, making Kindergarten a prime point forintervention, when entered by the age of 6. Our nation is facing a literacy crisis, with nearly a quarter ofadults being illiterate and nearly 20% of adults facing illiteracy in Illinois alone. By requiring students to attend Kindergarten, we are taking strides to address those gaps.”
Darla Wall, a principal with over 20 years of experience in the classroom encourages everyone to support this legislation.
“In my school district, year-after-year, I see too many young students absent from Kindergarten and missing out on fundamental learning exercises,” said Wall. They are not as prepared as their peers, and their entire educational career can be jeopardized. Kindergarten teaches young children how to work and play with others, while developing basic academics and social skills.”
Watch the full press conference on YouTube.
Representative Kevin Schmidt represents the 114th District, which includes a portion of St. Clair County.
