Half or Full?

I have decided to give you my 2 cents on half day kindergarten vs. full day kindergarten. It is great that we have a choice today. Sometimes I think we have too many choices which make things difficult though. We can choose what school our children can attend and can even change schools every year if we are not happy or just feel like it. As parents we think we know what is best for our children and sometimes we do. But we are also influenced by our society and peers with these decisions. Our educational system may seem a little scary right now. So much energy is spent on standardized test scores, money is being taken away from schools, and all the focus is on the negative.
With all that in mind, us kindergarten parents have the decision to make about putting our child in full day or half day kindergarten. Is there a right answer? Not necessarily. I have perspectives on this topic from a teacher's stand point and also from a  mom's stand point. Ella entered the magical world of kindergarten this year. She was originally signed up for full day kindergarten and more than ready for it. At the last minute, we put her in the half day program. It was  a hard decision to make because of all the expectations and pressures. We chose half day at the end because it was more convenient for us and made sense.  Full day is a great option. It is the cheapest day care in town for working parents. If students are older and are able to be in a structured setting for an entire day it works well. Full day kindergarten is not so time crammed and has more flexibility with projects and fun stuff. Although, some people cringe when you tell them your child is in half day, half day students are required to meet the same academic standards as full day. I have taught full day kindergarten and half day kindergarten. At the end of the year, full day kindergarten may know a little bit more but not a significant amount. All standards are met and students are ready for first grade no matter the program. I have also taught first grade. At the beginning of the year in first, you can tell the half day kids from the full day kids. The half day kids are not used to the long day. Academically there may be some differences but usually in a month they are all leveled out- always by January.
I am a strong believer in kids being kids. They have to spend so much time in school and we don't have the choice after kindergarten. It is great to give them the freedom to play and be kids outside of school after spending their mornings there.
So which is better. Neither. The answer really depends on your child and you. They are both great options and what is right for me may not work for you. My daughter was more than ready for a full day being older and having a passion for everything about school. However, she is extremely happy to come home for lunch and still have down time. I see many kids that thrive in the full day program and it is wonderful for working parents. When making the decision, I just ask that you think of your own personal needs and your child and pick what is best for you not what you are pressured into. Also, make sure you give it a fair chance. If full day was chosen and you are second guessing yourself because your child is so tired and cranky. Give it a fair amount of time for them to adjust and get used to it. They will adjust and thrive. The greatest thing about kindergartners is they are adaptable and sponges. THey will do well when given a fair opportunity and exposure!