Half-Day vs. Full-Day Kinder

1. Half-Day

1.1. Pros:

1.1.1. Can teach double the children in the course of a day (two half day classes)

1.1.2. Shorter time focuses instruction

1.1.3. Shorter attention span, less cranky kids

1.1.4. Some studies show that there is no difference in performance

1.2. Cons:

1.2.1. less time to learn material, build relationships

1.2.2. doesn't give adequate precursor to full-day first grade

1.2.3. Parents may have to find childcare for the rest of the day if they work

2. Full-Day

2.1. Pros:

2.1.1. More time to cover materials

2.1.2. Enriched, deep curriculum with more child-directed activities

2.1.3. Long term academic benefits

2.1.4. Help to close the achievement gap in low income areas

2.1.5. Overcome existing cognitive setbacks with extended instructional time

2.1.6. Substantial savings realized over the long-term due to reduced special education referrals and the need for less remediation, reduced need for midday transportation and crossing guards, and reduced need for half day childcare programs.

2.2. Cons:

2.2.1. More costly, funding and resources are extremely limited

2.2.2. More time-consuming

2.2.3. May not be developmentally appropraite to have children learning that long - short attention spans, cranky

2.2.4. Research is not totally conclusive

2.2.5. Studies do not address long term holistic results, many show that the effect "wears off" in 2-3 grade levels

2.2.6. Savings resulting from full day kindergarten are difficult to determine.

3. Current Practices

3.1. about 50/50 split on half/full day programs in US

3.2. About $70 more per student per day in full day costs

4. Other Issues

4.1. what the nature of the program should be

4.2. whether those families who can afford it should be asked to pay for the increased class

4.3. whether there are better ways to use a school's or district's scarce educational resources

4.4. relative emphasis kindergarten should place on children's cognitive and social development.