With school districts offering a full-day option for kindergarten children, parents are faced with the question of whether or not to enroll their children in an extended day program, or opt for the more traditional half-day kindergarten experience. The essential thing is to consider the needs of the child and the instructional elements each program offers in relation to each child's unique needs, for what is right for one may not be right for another.
Needs of an Incoming Kindergarten Student
Children may be enrolled in kindergarten if they reach the age of five before a designated date. However, just because a child has reached the appropriate age for enrollment does not necessarily mean that he or she is ready for a full day of instruction. Children who are on the older end of the spectrum may be physically more ready to last a full day than their younger counterparts.
Consider the child's physical and emotional endurance. Those who tire easily or become stressed with a lot of activity may find that a full-day program is too much stimulation, while others may be ready for the structure of a full day of school. Lastly, consider the academic needs. Children who have had two full years of preschool may be ready for more of a challenge, and those with delays may also benefit from additional instruction.
Kindergarten Program Elements
It is important to look closely at the structure of both the extended-day and half-day kindergartens. Recently, many schools have opted to make their kindergartens operate increasingly like upper grade classrooms, which is not a beneficial structure for young students. Strong academics are essential, but instruction should be concrete, hands-on, and developmentally appropriate.
Kindergarten classrooms should be literacy-rich environments, and in an extended-day program much of the extra time should be spent on oral and written language activities, interaction with books, and the building of phonemic awareness and other emergent literacy skills that will lead to success in reading. The longer school day also allows for units of science and social studies through which young students may explore and practice their language and math skills for authentic uses.
Questions to Ask Before Enrolling
Several questions should be answered after looking at the individual child and program. For example, what is the best option for this particular child? Are there any other, more appropriate alternatives or other ways to meet specific needs, such as a lack of socialization or a need for child care in the afternoon? What are the advantages and disadvantages of each program for this child?
If questions persist, ask the principal for an opportunity to observe the half-day and full-day kindergarten classrooms. Look for age-appropriate hands-on instruction, enthusiastic children, a literacy-rich classroom environment, and a teacher who has a clear vision for her students and uses whatever time is available to work toward that goal.
While parents must be mindful of their own scheduling needs, choosing a full-day kindergarten as a child care option may not be the best solution. The most important thing is to consider the child's needs in relation to the program elements and features, whether deciding between a full-day experience or a more traditional half-day kindergarten combined with other child care options that are better suited to the child's needs, such as home care or a nearby center.
Further Reading
Passe, Angele Sancho. Is Everyone Ready for Kindergarten? A Toolkit for Preparing Children and Families. St. Paul, MN: Redleaf Press, 2010.
Walmsley, Sean and Wamsley, Bonnie Brown. Kindergarten: Ready or Not?: A Parent's Guide. Portsmouth, NH: Heinemann, 1996.
Barbara Abromitis - Barbara Abromitis, Ed.D. is a freelance writer and educational consultant, with degrees in reading education and educational psychology, ...
