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Idaho is one of 10 states that doesn't offer public preschool, although two of those states are currently experimenting with pilot programs.Idaho lawmakers have long wrestled over whether to provide a public education to preschool-aged children. Idaho's conservative majority has resisted.But now, the debate could be revived because a freshman Democratic lawmaker has begun working on a plan to implement public pre-k.

Nampa To Offer Full-Day Kindergarten Options

Tim Lauer
/
Flickr Creative Commons

The Nampa school district will offer full-day, every-day kindergarten classes at some elementary schools in the fall.

The Idaho Press-Tribune reports that enrollment is open for full-time kindergarten at three Nampa-area schools.

District officials say full-day kindergarten classes will allow teachers to focus on developing social skills and participation as well as the academic lessons shorter schedules focus on.

Currently the district offers half-time kindergarten in full-day, every-other-day classes. The state does not require districts to offer full-time kindergarten.

Funding for full-time classes must come from parents, who would pay $2,160 for the school year to increase a kindergarten teacher's salary to a full-time rate.

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