New Vermont law to fund public preschool a first

Vermont has become the first state to provide publicly funded pre-kindergarten programs to all 3- and 4-year-olds as of this month, state officials say.

The law requires Vermont communities to offer at least 10 hours a week of free, high quality preschool for 35 weeks per year to children in that age group. Previously, some districts offered publicly funded preschool voluntarily.

The 10 hours of free preschool has helped parents, like those whose children attend Annette’s Preschool, in Hinesburg.

Lisa Rathke, Associated Press

Full Story: http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/story/news/education/2016/07/11/new-vt-law-fund-public-preschool-first/86936958/