LANSING, Mich., March 23, 2021 — State Rep. Bill Sowerby (D-Clinton Township) introduced legislation that would improve educational and social outcomes for young learners in Michigan. House Bill 4564 would require mandatory kindergarten classes for children five years and older.

“Early learning is the bedrock of a child’s education that prepares them to thrive in school and beyond,” Sowerby said. “Research has repeatedly shown that students who attend kindergarten experience greater learning gains compared to those who do not. It is time we afforded every child the opportunity for success.”

Sowerby’s bill would require every school district to offer kindergarten just as they do for other grade levels and a parent or guardian would need to ensure that their child is attending. The length of a school day for kindergarten classes would be determined by the school district. If a child reached five years of age on or before September 1, they would begin kindergarten that school year.

Kindergarten is required in 19 other states and the District of Columbia.