“Kindergarten is a critical part of early education and sets the stage for social and academic success,” Head said. “I believe Senate Bill 317 will help ensure today’s children do not miss out on early opportunities to learn reading, writing and mathematics.”

If passed, a child would need to be at least five years of age before Sept. 1 of the 2012-2013 school yearbefore enrolling in kindergarten. Head said students would also begin first grade at age six – not seven as currently required.

Throughout the course of one year, kindergarten students make noticeable improvements in social and school skills, increasing their reading scores by 10 points and their math scores by eight, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.

At least 15 other states require age-eligible children to attend at least half-day kindergarten, according to a 2008 report by the Education Commission of the States.

In fact, according to the Pew Center on the States, Indiana is one of only 12 states that do not offer a state-funded pre-kindergarten program.

“All Hoosier children deserve to be on an equal playing field with their peers nationwide or worldwide,” Head said. “I believe Senate Bill 317 will provide that opportunity and help close the achievement gap.”

Head’s bill charges the Department of Education to adopt a model that local school superintendents could use to determine if a child is ready to enroll in kindergarten or first grade.

Senate Bill 317 is assigned to the Senate Committee on Education and Career Development for consideration.

Head said he is committed to bringing the bill back in following sessions if the legislation does not move out of committee this year.