by CL Nelson

Created on: June 01, 2008

Full-day kindergarten programs are vital. They provide opportunities for children to gain and develop knowledge in greater detail. For example, within a full-day kindergarten classroom, children are introduced to a concept then given ample opportunities to explore the concept through various learning styles and discovery play until concepts are mastered. Furthermore, since children have more time to master learning concepts in a full-day program, they also have the opportunity to learn more concepts throughout the school year. Children learn to read and write, build phonemic awareness, spell, and perform basic addition and subtraction during the kindergarten year. However in full-day kindergarten programs, children are exposed to these learning concepts more frequently and more in-depth. With a full-day program children are exposed to academic subjects that are often briefly addressed in traditional half-day kinder programs or not until first grade. Subjects such as science, social studies, art, music, and Spanish are introduced in full-day programs. Thus developing a more well-rounded child. Having greater exposure to these academic concepts through a full-day program, children are better prepared to succeed in the subsequent school years.

Another benefit to the full-day kindergarten program is socialization. Children have more time to spend with peers, develop friendships, and foster age-appropriate social skills when they spend an entire school day in a kindergarten program. That does not mean children have more recess time in full-day programs. On the contrary, children learn socialization through discovery play, cooperative learning activities, and imaginary play time. It is vital for children to learn how to play appropriately with peers, how to adapt to behavioral norms within a school, and develop positive relationships with peers and teachers to ensure a positive and productive academic career. These skills often are not developed to the fullest potential within a traditional half-day program, because three hours is not enough time to address both academic and social skills. Play-time is a large component to kindergarten and with a full-day program, children are given more time to engage in peer related socialization activities and develop their social skills.

Finally full-day kindergarten programs help families. Whether it's a single parent household or a two working parent family, full-day kindergarten programs help them financially and emotionally. First of all, day care programs are costly. Full-day kindergarten programs help reduce some of the daycare expenses by providing an academic environment for children during the majority of parental working hours. Does it sound like kindergarten is becoming a glorified day care service? No. Instead, full-day programs are giving young children an opportunity to learn more, develop positive social skills, while helping families within their community. Secondly, parents are reassured by full-day programs because they know their children are learning and are safe at school. In turn, since full-day programs help their communities, many parents feel compelled to become more involved in their school. Whether it be more communication between parent and school or helping out at special events, parents with children in full-day kindergarten programs are more involved. Parents feel they have a deeper invested interest in their children's school because their children spend the majority of time in school.

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