Senator Kamala Harris is introducing a bill that would allow schools to extend school days by three hours and would provide incentives to schools that decide to do so. The legislation is being introduced as a way to accommodate parents’ work schedules — the Family Friendly Schools Act.
“My mother raised my sister and me while working demanding, long hours,” said Harris. “So, I know firsthand that, for many working parents, juggling between school schedules and work schedules is a common cause of stress and financial hardship. My bill provides an innovative solution that will help reduce the burden of childcare on working families.
“It is time we modernize the school schedule to better meet the needs of our students and their families.”
School districts would not be required to keep their doors open for three extra hours, but those that do could receive five-year, $5 million grants to “develop high-quality, culturally relevant, linguistically accessible, developmentally appropriate academic, athletic or enrichment opportunities for students.”
“Our bill does not mandate how schools implement the program so long as they stay open until 6pm. Schools have the flexibility to determine what works best for their community, and the students and their families,” Press Secretary Meaghan Lynch said, via FOX News.
With her program, $1 billion would also be allotted to enrich summer programs.
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