SALT LAKE CITY — A bill that would have allowed children who are at least 5 years old by Sept. 2 to enroll in kindergarten was defeated in the Utah House of Representatives Monday.
The House voted 23-46 to reject HB241, sponsored by Rep. Lawanna Shurtliff, D-Ogden.
Shurtliff said the goal behind HB241 was to help children who are behind on social and academic skills get up to par with their peers by the time they start first grade.
“Most people just think kindergarten is just part of the education schedule and are amazed to find out 5 year olds really don’t have to attend,” she said.
Much of what was traditionally the first grade curriculum is now part of kindergarten, including early reading, numbers, letters and the social skills of being able to sit and listen to a story told by a teacher, she said.
“Kindergarten is the foundation of education if you really think about it,” said Shurtliff, a retired schoolteacher.
While most Utah parents send their children to kindergarten, when some parents learn Utah’s compulsory education age is 6, they don’t send their children to kindergarten or do not send them regularly.
In a lengthy debate, some representatives balked at the idea of children being required to attend school at age 5.
Rep. Karianne Lisonbee, R-Syracuse, spoke in opposition to the bill, noting that many countries send children when they are older.
“Yet we are here considering 5 year olds to start school,” she said.
Parents should have the choice when to send their child to school.
“Children develop differently and they develop at different ages and at different times,” she said.
Rep. Carol Spackman Moss, D-Holladay, said HB241 supports parent choice.
Moss said she sent her children to a full-day private kindergarten, which gave them a leg up on their peers. That’s not an option for low-income families, she said.
But there are many children who need extra academic and social support, particularly children from struggling families.
“Remember, we’re talking about kids who don’t have these advantages,” she said.
“This will not harm anyone. It will not force anyone. I will only do good for our kids and I think that’s what we’re here to do,” she said.