COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE  
DEVELOPMENT 
 
10/22/2025-HELD IN COMMITTEE 
BILL NO. 
36-0069 
 
Thirty-Sixth Legislature of the Virgin Islands 
 
 
 
March 28, 2025 
 
 
 
An Act amending title 17 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 9, subchapter 1, section 82, subsection 
(a) by changing the age a child begins kindergarten from five years of age to four years of age 
 
 
 
PROPOSED BY: 
 
Senator Alma Francis Heyliger 
WHEREAS, children at the age of four demonstrate significant cognitive development, 
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marked by improved language skills, problem-solving abilities, and curiosity, and starting 
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school at this age can harness their enthusiasm for learning, providing a foundation for 
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academic success; 
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WHEREAS, educational institutions play a crucial role in identifying and addressing 
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developmental delays or learning difficulties and, therefore, starting school at age four allows 
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for timely intervention and tailored support, maximizing the potential for overcoming 
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challenges before they become more pronounced; 
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WHEREAS, school serves as a platform for developing essential socialization skills, 
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such as cooperation, communication, and conflict resolution; therefore, commencing education 
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at age four encourages the early cultivation of these skills, setting the stage for healthier 
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interpersonal relationships throughout life; 
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2 
 
WHEREAS, research suggests that children vary widely in their developmental 
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readiness for school, with some children showing readiness for structured learning 
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environments at age four, indicating that they are equipped to benefit from the educational 
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experience and thrive academically; 
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WHEREAS, initiating formal education at age four can contribute to bridging learning 
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disparities among children from different socio-economic backgrounds, and early exposure to 
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educational resources and experiences can help mitigate the gap in academic achievement that 
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often emerges before age five; 
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WHEREAS, an early start to education can foster a positive attitude towards learning 
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from an early age, and engaging children in educational activities at age four can establish a 
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lifelong love for learning and increase the likelihood of higher educational attainment; 
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WHEREAS, starting school at age four can promote increased parental involvement in 
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their child's education, and parents are more likely to be engaged in their child's early education, 
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participating in school activities, and reinforcing learning at home; 
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WHEREAS, the transition from early childhood settings to formal schooling can be 
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smoother at age four, as children are generally more adaptable and resilient during this phase, 
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and this adjustment period is crucial for building confidence and a positive attitude towards 
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schooling; 
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WHEREAS, a comprehensive education encompasses not only academic learning but 
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also physical, emotional, and creative development, and initiating school at age four provides 
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more time to integrate these aspects into the curriculum, fostering well-rounded individuals; 
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WHEREAS, many countries have adopted a lower starting age for formal education with 
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positive outcomes, and by aligning with international practices, starting school at age four can 
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help prepare Virgin Islands children for the challenges of an increasingly interconnected world; 
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3 
 
WHEREAS, setting the standard age for a child to begin school at age four rather than 
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age five is supported by a range of factors, including cognitive development, socialization, 
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readiness indicators, and long-term educational engagement; and 
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WHEREAS, this approach promotes early intervention, reduces learning disparities, and 
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contributes to a more holistic and adaptable educational experience for children; Now, 
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Therefore, 
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Be it enacted by the Legislature of the Virgin Islands: 
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SECTION 1.  Title 17 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 9, subchapter 1, section 82, 
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subsection (a) is amended by striking “fifth” and inserting “fourth”. 
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BILL SUMMARY 
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This bill changes the age a child entering kindergarten from five years of age to four. 
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BR25-0487/March 19, 2025/SLR 
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