In addition, as the evidence suggests that full-day kindergarten reaps the most rewards when used in tandem with an educationally challenging curriculum, policymakers may wish to factor in the costs of curriculum revisions. However, a full-day schedule does offer some benefits that make up for increased costs. Students enrolled in full-day kindergarten, for instance, do not need to be dropped off or picked up from school in the middle of the day, thereby saving schools additional expenditures such as busing and crossing guards. Also, as research indicates that full-day kindergarten particularly benefits children at risk, states can use Title I funds to offset some of the costs. Some proponents also argue that full-day kindergarten may cut costs in special and remedial education in later years.
States have a number of options regarding kindergarten.
States may choose to remain silent on the issue, allowing districts to formulate policies that best suit local needs. Or, the state may provide funding but issue no mandate requiring either the establishment of kindergarten programs or enrollment in those programs.