BOE, he added, has directed the Public School System to revive the mandatory and full-day kindergarten program in every public school on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota.
Guerrero said the early stages are critical for student learning, and this is why BOE is expected to act on the kindergarten proposal by the end of the year.
The Universal Kindergarten Act of 2004, or House Bill 14-92, was introduced in the 14th Legislature, but it did not identify any funding source to carry its mandate.
Free kindergarten classes are offered in public schools for children 1 to 5 years old. These are half-day classes.
A kindergarten committee composed of principals, teachers, program specialists and parents has been formed to look into the number of enrollees, how many staff will be involved and the funding required.
“Those are the factors that need to be looked at. We have to go through the process first and present it to the board,” Guerrero said.
