A long list of proponents spoke in favor of Senate Bill 123, which would fund full-time kindergarten statewide, to the House Education Committee Wednesday afternoon. Only a handful of Montanans testified in opposition.

Administrators, teachers and parents from school districts already offering full-time kindergarten testified it was an effective approach, particularly in closing the achievement gap.

Helena resident Pamela Choc is a mother of three who spoke against the bill stating that it offers only short-term returns. She said the bill is a "slap in the face" to those parents who feel their children should spend more time at home with parents and siblings because "learning doesn't only happen at desks."

Carol Williams, D-Missoula, sponsored SB123 and urged the committee to move the bill forward because full-time kindergarten helps a child's happiness, health and ability to reach their full potential. She said the full-time approach affords teachers the opportunity to have a better understanding of the individual needs of their students. She said the bill maintains local control and preserves a parent's right to choose whether their child is ready for full-time kindergarten.

Three schools in the Helena School District offer all-day, everyday kindergarten. Bryant Elementary, for example, is in its third year of full-time kindergarten. This year is the largest with 60 students in three sections, according to Principal Russ Van Hook.

Not all those students live in the attendance area, he added.

"I believe it's because of full-day kindergarten," said Van Hook.

East Helena also has optional full-time kindergarten and 100 out of 125 students are in the full-time program, with almost half of those paying a $1,300 annual stipend so their children can go. The other half who attend are students whose families qualify for free or reduced lunch -- the district covers their costs through Title I money.

East Elementary Principal Joe McMahon says studies show there are significant positive effects both socially and academically for those attending full-time kindergarten. He adds that it proves most effective for low income families.

State Superintendent Linda McCulloch told the committee that 63 percent of schools nationwide offer a full-time program, while Montana sits at only 29 percent.

Mary Thompson, a local mother and certified teacher, suggested extending the half-day by an hour or so rather than the full-time proposal.

Clancy mother Beth Emter said it is just too much too soon.

"Children should enter into a lifetime of education in a gradual way," she said.

Emter suggested the state spend the money on the system that is currently in place and said she was offended by the claim that a child would be better off in full-time kindergarten than at home with a parent.

The House Education Committee will move into executive action sometime next week with regards to SB123.