Full Day Kindergarten Early Results Reported

With full-day kindergarten being fully integrated into all schools by next fall, a new Ontario study reveals that full-day kindergarten helps students better prepare for school. The study was conducted with 700 children and reveals that they showed strong language development, communication, and social skills. The full-day learning program, although in its early stages, is already showing that it is changing the lives of young learners. Proponents of the program are confident that in the years to come provincial standardized testing and graduation rates will reveal the success of full-day kindergarten.

The full-day kindergarten program was first introduced in areas in Ontario identified as vulnerable, therefore it is assumed that the study represents some of the higher-risk groups in Ontario. Although the Ontario study does not look at specific cohorts, there is strong evidence that children from underprivileged backgrounds benefit from full day kindergarten by developing their learning skills. The 2014 standardized test scores will assess math, reading, and writing of the first full-day kindergarten cohort. These scores will give a clearer picture of the effect of full-day kindergarten on early learners.

Since the introduction of full-day kindergarten in 2010, there have been mixed reviews from parents, but for the most part it has been a popular change. Many feel that their children will be more academically and socially enriched. Not only is there more time for play, there is also more opportunities for these young minds to absorb the knowledge required for the following school year. Many parents feel that full-day kindergarten has a similar effect as daycare, for instance, children who attend daycare learn social skills at an early age which is beneficial once they begin to attend school. Although there are concerns about lack of space and funding, the overall benefits seem to outweigh these concerns.

The following are just some of the pros and cons for full-day kindergarten suggested by parents and educators.

Has your child attended full-day kindergarten? In the long run, how do you feel that full-day kindergarten will benefit or be detrimental to your child’s learning experience? Leave us your comments!