NY A01144

Requires all school district boards of education to maintain kindergartens, changing the current permissive "may" to mandatory "shall"

Mandates that all kindergartens operate on a full-time basis beginning in the 2027-2028 school year

Applies to regular school districts, city school districts, and boards of education in cities

Kindergartens remain free to resident children between ages four and six, with districts retaining authority to set higher minimum age requirements

Takes effect July 1 following enactment