summary
Introduced
01/23/2026
01/23/2026
In Committee
04/22/2026
04/22/2026
Crossed Over
04/08/2026
04/08/2026
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
104th General Assembly
Bill Summary
Amends the School Code regarding the establishment of kindergartens. With respect to a provision stating that kindergarten should provide opportunities for play-based learning, defines: (1) "play-based learning" as either guided play or student-initiated play; (2) "guided play" as intentional teacher-directed play with activities set up and led by a teacher that are aligned to learning goals or standards; and (3) "student-initiated play" as child-selected opportunities to build, pretend, create, move, or explore in an environment intentionally curated by a teacher to align with learning goals or standards.
AI Summary
This bill amends the School Code to clarify what constitutes "play-based learning" in kindergartens, defining it as either "guided play," which is teacher-directed play aligned with learning goals, or "student-initiated play," where children choose activities within a teacher-prepared environment that also supports learning goals. These definitions are being added to the existing law to provide a clearer understanding of how kindergartens should incorporate play into their curriculum, ensuring that both full-day and half-day programs are developmentally appropriate and offer these types of learning opportunities.
Committee Categories
Education
Sponsors (4)
Last Action
Senate Education Committee Hearing (14:00:00 4/28/2026 Room 212) (on 04/28/2026)
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