Full-day kindergarten

Program basics

Formal, school-based education for children age 4–6
Programs run 5 days a week, are held at least 5 hours a day, and have the same duration as first-grade classes

Elementary school-aged children

Estimated $2,650 per student to expand half-day programs to full-day programs

Not available

Children in full-day kindergarten experience greater gains in early reading and math performance than children in half-day kindergarten
Full-day kindergarten has been observed to increase children’s self-regulation, school readiness, self-confidence, and cooperation skills
Effects are strongest in urban areas and for programs that last for more than 6 hours per day
After a year of full-day kindergarten, English language learners have math scores comparable to native speakers
Full-day kindergarten is associated with increased reading and math scores for children with disabilities
Parents of children in full-day kindergarten report less stress and fewer daily hassles than parents of children attending half-day programs

Note: This content is under review
Provide school staff with professional development on curriculum changes associated with extending kindergarten length.
Engage parents and the broader community in designing the transition to full day kindergarten, e.g. by creating a community task force.
Evaluate the need for additional classroom space to accommodate the extended class times.
Conduct frequent program evaluations to measure student progress.