As Parents Push for Full-Day Kindergarten, Board Waits for Study

A growing group of Bridgewater and Raritan parents say it's time for the school district to adopt full-day kindergarten, or risk being left behind neighboring communities that already do.

The group started out small, according to member Stacey Friedlander, but has grown via a Facebook page to now include nearly 150 members.

"Our group started one day when over a conversation with some fellow Bridgewater moms, we realized that much of our surrounding communities in Somerset County have full day Kindergarten and we wanted Bridgewater-Raritan to make a change for the benefit of our children," she said.

Though the group is in its early stages, the members mobilized enough for a show of force at the Oct. 17 Bridgewater-Raritan Board of Education meeting, at which board President Patrick Breslin said the board would look at the possibility of extending kindergarten programs after reviewing a demographer's report which will guide many district actions in the coming years.

Board member Arvind Mathur added the district would likely need to identify 14 classrooms for use as dedicated kindergarten classes.

But the parents say there's a bigger financial calculus the board needs to consider, as well: in addition to requirements to meet standards, not being on an equal footing with nearby communities could impact property values.

"This (lack of full day kindergarten) could become—and may already be—a deterrent for perspective residents who could add to our local economy and overall community," Friedlander said. "If you ask local Realtors and members of our own group in that field, they will tell you that often times young families look in Bridgewater and the surrounding areas, but often times choose Basking Ridge and Warren, even if it means a smaller home or more expensive taxes, to settle down in because of the full-day kindergarten program."

As for the standards, Freidlander, an educator herself, notes she's witnessed the problems many districts are having in meeting the rising bar of the Core Curriculum Standards—even in districts with full-time kindergarten.

"Kindergarten is the first step in our child's academic education and is not only the first stepping stone, but is the most important aspect as it sets the foundational skills needed for success as they move on," she said.

For some parents, that early education boost for all students is what drew them to the group—parent Jamie Pear said that's why she joined in the effort to change the district's policy.
 
"I joined the group because I want my children to have every opportunity for success, and I believe that full day kindergarten is an important stepping stone in their academic journey," she said.

Friedlander says the parents don't underestimate the costs involved in expanding the kindergarten program but say the returns on the investment would be very real.

"As for the expense, as the (National Education Association) has pointed out, investing in kindergarten is a wise choice," she said. "The upfront and ongoing costs are real, but the hope is that their unknown quantities will not hinder the ability to explore options, think creatively and bring the community together towards a solution that benefits all of our children."

And while many parents can afford to supplement the district's half-day classes with educational programs to round out the day, many can't—putting their children at a distinct disadvantage when starting first grade.

"It's unfortunate that many children of all socio-economic brackets cannot have a fair and equatable start here in our community," Freidlander said. "We have members in our group who represent all the demographics of our community and collectively, are members of the group to help make 'Full Day K' a reality."

The group's members are certain to continue to be a presence at board meetings—especially when the demographer's report is studied in the coming months.