From the ECS State Policy Database: P-3 Kindergarten - This policy database—updated weekly—is made possible by your state's fiscal support of the Education Commission of the States....

Online Kindergarten Database - In this database, you will find kindergarten state policy information for all 50 states. Topics include entrance ages, curriculum, standards, class size, and much more. (ECS, 2010)...

Kindergarten Entrance Ages: Highlights PDF - Updates the 2011 Statenote on Kindergarten entrance ages....

Kindergarten Entrance Ages: A 35 Year Trend Analysis MS Word PDF - There has been a trend in the states over the last 35 years to establish a cutoff date earlier in the year for children entering kindergarten. This ECS StateNote examines the trend, providing changes for each state since 1975. (Education Commission of the States, May 2011)...

State Characteristics: Kindergarten PDF - This ECS StateNote examines key components of each state's kindergarten policy, including: the lower compulsory age; entrance age; if districts must offer; and if students must attend. (Melodye Bush, Education Commission of the States, May 2011)...

Access to Kindergarten: Age Issues in State Statutes MS Word PDF - This ECS StateNote documents how state lawmakers have addressed kindergarten-related age issues, including compulsory school age, kindergarten entrance age, early entrance to kindergarten, skipping kindergarten and kindergarten exemption. (Jessica McMacken, Education Commission of the States, November 2008)...

While no one was looking – Community-based solutions to linking early learning and the early grades: Implications for state policy - Lessons from the SPARK Initiative PDF - SPARK (Supporting Partnerships to Assure Ready Kids) — a five-year initiative funded by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation — is one good example of what can and is being accomplished at the community level to create continuity across early childhood and K-12 education. This policy brief discusses three high-impact strategies used at SPARK sites. Additionally, the brief provides implementation examples and policy opportunities associated with each strategy. (Mimi Howard, Education Commission of the States, January 2009)...

State Statutes Regarding Kindergarten: Policies concerning district offering of and student attendance in full- and half-day kindergarten programs MS Word PDF - This ECS StateNote includes information on each state's offering of full-day kindergarten, as well as policies for student attendance in kindergarten. (Education Commission of the States, October 2008) ...

Turning the Page: Refocusing Massachusetts for Reading Success - Report urges state educators and education policymakers to refocus literacy efforts on improving language development skills, starting with toddlers, with the aim of closing the achievement gaps between students of different socioeconomic backgrounds. Almost half of the state's 3rd graders are not proficient readers. (Nonie Lesaux, Strategies for Children, June 2010)...

Leadership Matters: Governors' Pre-K Proposals Fiscal Year 2010 - This report evaluates gubernatorial proposals to determine which leaders see voluntary, high-quality pre-kindergarten programs as essential. The news is good. (Pre[K]Now, The Pew Center on the States, May 2009)...