Transition to Full-Day Kindergarten (FC 702):

1. Transition to Full-Day Kindergarten (FC 702): A Bidder’s Conference January 6, 2012

2. Purpose of the RFP The purpose of the state-funded Transition to Full-Day Kindergarten grant (FC 702) is to encourage the voluntary expansion of high-quality, full-day kindergarten classrooms across Massachusetts. Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

3. Priorities Competitive priority will be given to districts with the greatest need as defined by: higher percentages of low-income students; higher percentages of students who are English language learners; and lower Composite Performance Index (CPI) data for the 3rd grade MCAS assessments in English Language Arts and Mathematics. Competitive priority may also be given to: districts that are not currently recipients of the FY2012 Quality Full-Day Kindergarten Grant (FC: 701) and meet the priorities listed above; and districts that can demonstrate the need for full-day kindergarten based on other criteria of need (e.g., an individual school meeting the criteria above, the needs of a particular population, needs based on rural or isolated locations, etc.). Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

4. Funding Approximately $910,000 is available for this competitive grant. Funds will be awarded to eligible districts based on up to $10,000 for each part-time kindergarten session to be transitioned to a full-day kindergarten classroom in September 2012. Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

5. Fund Use Salaries or stipends for staff responsible for the transition to full-day kindergarten Stipends and/or substitutes for staff to attend professional development, committee meetings and other transition activities Consultants, professional development, NAEYC accreditation Curriculum development Capital or facilities improvements Materials/supplies for new classrooms Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

6. Due Dates January 17th: Intent to Apply Include: district name, contact information, and estimated number of part-day kindergarten sessions that will open as full-day classrooms in FY2013 and that will be included in the FY2012 Fund Code: 702 grant proposal Email to: mchen@doe.mass.edu January 24th: Full application with signatures due to the Department by 5:00 p.m. Format: Applications may not be emailed. They must be received in hard copy by this date. Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

7. Required Forms Part I – Program Unit Signature Page Part II Workbook – Budget and Budget Narrative Part III – Required Program Information Letter of Assurance from Superintendent Letter of Assurance from School Committee (due in Spring of 2012 for awarded districts) Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

8. Additional Requirements Pursuit of National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Accreditation for the kindergarten classrooms Creation of a School Readiness and Early Childhood/Early Elementary Curriculum Committee Adherence to ESE’s policies for Quality Full-Day Kindergarten Grants Tuition Policy and Sliding Fee Scale Lottery Systems Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

9. Next Steps Review Process and Timelines Implementation Plan Mid-Year Check in Discussion of Quality Full-Day Kindergarten Grant (FC 701) for FY13 Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

10. Questions & Additional Information Min-hua Chen, Grant Coordinator 781-338-6352 mchen@doe.mass.edu Donna Traynham, Supervisor 781-338-6372 dtraynham@doe.mass.edu Learning Support Services Unit: achievement@doe.mass.edu 781-338-3010 www.doe.mass.edu/kindergarten/ Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education