R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-99-2: Legislative findings.

The general assembly hereby finds and declares as follows:

(1) According to the National Center for Education Statistics, children in full-day kindergarten classes make greater academic gains in both reading and mathematics compared to those in half-day classes;

(2) According to Kids Count RI, full-day kindergarten can contribute to closing academic achievement gaps between lower and higher income children;

(3) According to the National Center for Education Statistics, full-day kindergarten classes are more likely than half-day classes to instruct students daily in the areas of mathematics, social studies and science; and

(4) According to Kids Count RI, children in full-day kindergarten are more likely to be ready for first grade than those in half-day programs, regardless of family income, parental education and school characteristics.