Summary of Paper 1

Throughout the years, people have debated on whether there are advantages to full or half day kindergarten. While this topic is still being highly debated, there are facts that support both programs. A major point that is emphasized is positive reasons why parents want their children to attend full day kindergarten. Single parent households and households in which both parents work all day are benefits to full day kindergarten because it is less stressful for parents to have to not worry about transportation, etc. Full day kindergarten allows children to be safe and is easier for parents to arrange their schedule. Another topic that is hit hard upon is that full day kindergarten allows teachers more time to interact with students and to get to know their students on a personal level. There are specific curriculum differences between the two program types because of the time allotted to the teachers in both programs. Experts acknowledge that what children learn during the day is more important than the length of the school day itself. Full day kindergarten gives children more time to “engage in active, child-initiated, small-group activities”. It seems to bring about positive social behavior and learning benefits. Statistical data such as percentages, facts, and figures are mentioned to bring into focus the changing kindergarten way. Data from 1977 to 2001 is brought to reader’s attention based on enrollment from children ages 4 to 6 in kindergarten. There are apparent differences in the enrollment numbers in half and full day kindergarten.