Kindergarten Full or Half day, which one is better By: Matthew Lamphere

The Basics of Kindergarten Consists of five to six year olds. Typically, Kindergarten has been half day. Starting to change to full day programs.

The Basics of Kindergarten Not just in schools anymore. Kindergarten teaches many important things Both full and half day programs have their pros and cons.

Why Switch to Full Day Kindergarten? For the parent and child Parents’ confidence levels Socialization Transitional to grade school Child’s self-esteem Convenience By:woodleywonderworks /

Why Switch to Full Day Kindergarten? For the schools Financial Purposes Classroom Availability To please the parents States are starting to require it. States are offering incentives for schools. By: borman818 otos/dborman2/ /

What Exactly is Full Day Kindergarten? Half day kindergarten = 3 hours Full day kindergarten = 6 hours –3 hours of learning –3 hours of playing Both teach the same exact things

The Advantages of Full Day Kindergarten Learn more and test better Better classroom behavior and social skills Closes the achievement gap More relaxed day Better transition to grade school Kindergarten First Grade EASIER

The Disadvantages of Full Day Kindergarten Costs are high, requiring a lot of funding. –Require more staff –May or may not be offset by other savings Require more classroom space –If enrollment rates increase, schools will run out of room. May involve too much learning. Might turn into more of a day care center.

The Advantages of Half Day Kindergarten Provide stability Less stressful Allows more time for child to play outside of a classroom environment. Meets needs based on attention span and interest level.

The Disadvantages of Half Day Kindergarten Interrupts the child's day. Transportation and inconvenience on parents No special activities –Field trips –Assemblies By: woodleywonderworks 986/

Which program is the Way of the Future? Full Day Kindergarten –Why? Benefits out-weigh those of Half Day. –Some states require a full day option. –Financial purposes.

References Diana, B. (2005). Full- or half-day kindergarten: what parents pick-and why. The Education Digest, 70(8), Retrieved September 27, 2009, from EducationAbs. Grace, C. (2008, November 27). Full Day Kindergarten: The Pros, the Cons, and the Growing Public School Debate. Retrieved September 27, 2009, from Rothenberg, D. (2000, July 25). Full-Day or Half-Day Kindergarten?. Retrieved September 27, 2009, from ERIC.