Full Versus Half-Day Programs

Developmentally appropriate full-day kindergarten can offer a more relaxed atmosphere and more opportunities for child-centered, creative activities, as well as more opportunities for developing social skills. Full-day programs provide more time for field trips, activity centers, projects, and free play. Students who are at-risk for school problems due to delayed development, disabilities, or limited preschool experiences, and who attend rigorous and nurturing full-day programs, are more likely to have stronger achievement in basic skill areas and generally better preparation for first grade. For all children, full-day kindergarten programs help increase academic achievement while reducing the probability that children will be retained in the early elementary grades.

On the other hand, some argue that half-day kindergarten also can provide high quality educational and social experience. Others feel that children's shorter attention spans and interest levels are more suited to a half-day program. The following summarizes results of current research comparing the effectiveness of full-day versus half-day programs.

Compared to half-day kindergarten, full-day programs are typically associated with:

• higher long-term achievement
• higher achievement for disadvantaged and low income children, and for those receiving Title I services
• higher reading scores in early grades
• fewer grade retentions
• higher test scores
• more time spent in individualized instruction
• more time spent in free play, less time in large groups
• greater progress in social skills for disadvantaged and low income children
• more reinforcement of positive social behaviors
• higher self esteem and independence
• greater creativity
• access to nutritional breakfast and lunch
• a more relaxed, less hurried school day with more varied experiences
• less parent involvement
• no evidence of more individualized or innovative curriculum
• no evidence of excessive fatigue or stress
• no evidence of negative consequences in general

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