Two Macomb Mich. Districts Prepare for All-Day Kindergarten

Two Macomb County public school districts plan to offer all-day kindergarten in the fall, officials said Tuesday.

Both Chippewa Valley Schools and Utica Community Schools said Tuesday they will offer the day-long kindergarten program at all of their elementary schools.

The move comes in the wake of a change in state law that ties school funding to the amount of time students spend in class. Under the law — which goes into effect in fiscal year 2012-2013 — districts that offer full-day kindergarten will receive more state funding. The fiscal year starts on Oct. 1.

Chippewa Valley Schools' Board of Education this week approved establishing full-day kindergarten at all 12 of its elementary schools. It's the first time the district has offered the program, officials said.