Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi (D-Torrance) has introduced Assembly Bill 2226, a groundbreaking measure that seeks to make kindergarten attendance mandatory for California children before enrolling in first grade, starting from the 2026-2027 school year. Senator Susan Rubio (D-Baldwin Park) has introduced a similar bill, Senate Bill 1056, in the Senate.
The current educational landscape in California does not mandate kindergarten attendance, and compulsory education laws only kick in at the age of six. With Assembly Bill 2226 and Senate Bill 1056, legislators aim to bridge the gap, requiring children to complete one year of kindergarten before entering first grade.
The proposed legislation responds to the recognized achievement gap present before students even reach first grade.
Kindergarten is currently considered a grade level in California, contributing to average daily attendance (ADA), and included in academic content standards and curriculum frameworks.
However, the voluntary nature of kindergarten attendance results in some students missing out on essential early education.