Daffodil Valley and Liberty Ridge elementary schools will receive funding for free full-time kindergarten programs, under a 2013 package approved in the state legislature’s special session. The two Sumner School District campuses are among the first  to receive the funding, prioritized for schools identified as having the highest need for early learning education.

Superintendent Sara Johnson, who entered the position July 1, said the funding would allow the district to expand its full-time kindergarten classes on an accelerated schedule. Indeed, the district plans to use local levy dollars to offer two more free kindergarten classes through Bonney Lake and Emerald Hills elementary schools, according to a press release dated Monday.

The four campuses will no longer offer their part-time “red” and “blue” kindergarten classes.

“The transition to full-day kindergarten is critical as we implement Common Core State Standards which are more rigorous than prior targets for student achievement,” Johnson said.

“We think this is good news for students and families, because it is the right thing to do for kids.”

Other elementary schools in Sumner School District offer part-time kindergarten programs and tuition-based full-time kindergarten.

The district announced it will transition to free full-time programs at all district elementary schools as further state funding becomes available.