Local Columns
From the superintendent's desk…
Full Day Kindergarten
By Dr. Henry R. Scipione
York Superintendent of Schools
Dr. Henry R. Scipione
Research indicates that kindergarten children who are enrolled in full day programs benefit academically, socially and emotionally. Studies suggest that full day kindergartens are more developmentally appropriate than half day programs because teachers have more time to better engage students in meaningful early learning experiences, involve students in more creative problem solving experiences and interact with individual students to enhance social, emotional and physical growth.
In York we have spent the past two years researching and visiting all day kindergarten programs in neighboring school districts. As a result of this research the York study committee, which included kindergarten teachers, parents, the VES Principal, our district Curriculum Coordinator and a School Committee member, recommended that York adopt a full day program. This recommendation was unanimously supported by the School Committee and has been included in the budget for fiscal 2008. Because of our changing enrollment, we will be able to offer the full day program without increasing the number of staff positions, thus this proposal is being presented as a cost neutral measure.
The kindergarten teachers at Village Elementary School are excited and ready to implement a full day model. With a full day program, students will have the benefit of more time to explore concepts and master skills. Their participation in the core primary school content areas of literacy and numeracy will increase and allow more opportunities for individual and small group academic enrichment. Full day programming will provide more time for critical social skills work, creative involvement with the visual and performing arts, and enhanced physical education. The ability to provide a kindergarten program that better supports the intellectual, social/emotional and physical development of our kindergartners is exciting and will be of benefit to York's youngest students.
We recognize that some children may not be ready for a full day experience. In those cases parents will have the choice to enroll their children in full day or a half day program. Arrangements will be made for students whose parents decide that a half day program is more appropriate for their children.
With the adoption of the Maine Learning Results and the need to be in compliance with No Child Left Behind, there have been increased efforts to improve the curriculum and instructional practices that will better support and promote student learning for kindergarten students. As York's half day kindergarten program transitioned to being standards based and accountable for students' mastery of the standards, there has been a change in the goals and design of the program. In order to promote mastery of the standards, kindergarten has become more focused on academic activities. As a result, there is less time for the more traditional kindergarten experiences that enhance the development of the whole child and promote physical, social and emotional growth. There is often no time for daily stories, creative play and choice time in centers. By adding additional time through the full day program we can provide more effective opportunities to fully support our young children. Our interest is in nurturing rather than hurrying our youngest learners.
Full day kindergarten is an opportunity for our students and we are eager to provide them with increased time that a full day will provide. We are committed to providing our youngest students with the experiences they need to build a solid learning foundation. We hope you join with us in support of York's full day kindergarten program.
