Early Childhood: Reasons for Full-Day Kindergarten

To educator Barry Herman (1984) and others, the majority of 5-year-olds in the United States today already are more accustomed to being away from home much of the day, more aware of the world around them, and more likely to spend a large part of the day with peers than were children of previous generations. These factors, plus the demonstrated ability of children to cope with a longer day away from home, have created a demand in many communities for full-day kindergarten programs.

Changes in Family Patterns - Full-day kindergarten is attractive to many families because:

• An increase in the number of working parents
• An increase in the number of children who have had preschool or day care experience
• An increase in the influence of television and family mobility on children
• Renewed interest in academic preparation for later school success

Schools are Interested in Alternative Scheduling for Kindergarten

State school funding formulas. Some states provide more state aid for all-day students, although seldom enough to completely pay the extra costs of full-day kindergarten programs. Other states allow only half-day aid; in these states, funding formulas would have to change in order for schools to benefit financially from all-day kindergarten attendance.

Busing and other transportation costs. Eliminating the need for noon bus trips and crossing guards saves the school system money.

Availability of classroom space and teachers. As school enrollment declines, some districts find that they have extra classroom space and qualified teachers available to offer fullday kindergarten.

In addition, school districts are interested in responding to parents' requests for full-day kindergarten. In New York City, for example, parents who were offered the option of fullday kindergarten responded overwhelmingly in favor of the plan ("Woes Plague New York's AllDay Kindergartens" 1983).

For questions about this information, contact Jill A. Haglund (608) 267-9625

Last updated on 2/25/2008 9:07:52 AM